LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Jim Runestad and Rep. James DeSana on Monday announced their legislation to protect Michigan residents who act in justifiable self-defense from unfair civil lawsuits.
“The legislation is long overdue in Michigan,” said Runestad, R-White Lake. “Law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves against brazen criminals should not be at risk of further victimization from these bad actors or their family members who look to weaponize the court system for financial gain.”
The lawmakers say Senate Bill 270 and House Bill 4404 would protect people who use or threaten force to defend themselves or others from civil lawsuits if criminal charges brought against them are dropped or they are found not guilty of a crime. They say the bills would also ensure defendants are reimbursed for all legal fees, court costs, lost wages and other expenses if found innocent.
“These bills would protect Michiganders from unjust lawsuits by reinforcing their right to defend themselves without the fear of financial ruin from lengthy and expensive court battles,” said DeSana, R-Carleton. “By establishing a presumption of immunity for those acting in lawful self-defense, this legislation ensures individuals aren’t burdened by civil lawsuits when they’ve done nothing wrong.”
