The proposed bill seeks to amend the Revised Judicature Act of 1961 by adding a new section, 2980, which establishes liability for individuals who cause injury or death to service animals. 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 various types of damages that may be awarded, including economic damages related to the value of the service animal, associated equipment, and costs for care, retraining, or replacement of the service animal. Additionally, punitive damages may be awarded if the liable person's conduct is found to be intentional or reckless.

The bill also clarifies that liability applies regardless of whether the conduct was intentional, reckless, or negligent, and it preserves the right of the service animal's owner or handler to seek other legal remedies available under existing laws. The definition of "service animal" is aligned with the existing definition in the Michigan Penal Code. Overall, this legislation aims to provide stronger protections and recourse for service animal owners and handlers in cases of harm to their animals.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 600.101, 600.9947