Advocacy News – Nov. 13, 2025
What’s happening: The Michigan Alliance for Legal Reform – a new coalition of 31 business and policy organizations, including the Michigan Chamber – officially launched this week to rein in lawsuit abuse and restore balance and fairness in Michigan’s courts.
Why it matters: Michigan’s legal climate is costing jobs and competitiveness. Each year, excessive litigation siphons 2% of our state GDP out of the market, and costs the average Michigan household more than $3,000 annually in a “tort tax”. Even more concerning, it’s estimated to stifle 100,000 potential job opportunities across Michigan annually.
The solutions: The Alliance is pursuing two top legislative fixes initially:
- Restoring Michigan’s “Open and Obvious” premise liability protection, realigning Michigan with 41 other states and restoring fairness for property owners. (HB 4582)
- Implementing transparency measures for third-party litigation funding, ensuring outside investors can’t secretly bankroll lawsuits without oversight, disclosure or guardrails. (HB 5281)
What we’re saying: “Lawsuit abuse is one of the biggest risks facing Michigan job providers,” said Jim Holcomb, MI Chamber president & CEO. “It drives up costs, stifles investment and limits growth and opportunity. If we want a stronger, prosperous Michigan for all, legal reform must be a top priority in Lansing.”
- The Michigan Chamber is proud to be leading member of the Michigan Alliance for Legal Reform, and supports its policy efforts.
Go deeper: Read about the launch of this new Alliance, and learn more about its work at MIAllianceForLegalReform.com. For questions or to get involved, contact Zach Rudat, Alliance director.