The bill amends the Revised Judicature Act of 1961 by adding a new section, 2980, which establishes liability for individuals who cause injury or death to a service animal. Under this section, a person is liable to the owner or handler of a service animal for damages resulting from such injuries, whether caused directly by the person or by an animal owned by them. The bill outlines specific types of damages that may be awarded, including economic damages related to the value of the service animal, costs associated with care and rehabilitation, and punitive damages if the liable person's actions were intentional or reckless.

Additionally, the bill allows for the recovery of attorney fees and actual costs incurred in pursuing the claim. It clarifies that liability applies regardless of whether the conduct was intentional, reckless, or negligent, and it does not affect any other legal remedies available to the service animal's owner or handler. The definition of "service animal" is aligned with existing law as defined in the Michigan Penal Code.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 600.101, 600.9947