Advocacy News – Aug. 28, 2026
What’s happening: New legislation – House Bill 6268 – introduced in the Michigan House this week would change where certain lawsuits can be filed in an effort to curb “venue shopping” and bring greater fairness and consistency to Michigan’s legal system.
The issue: Venue rules can allow cases to be filed in courts or counties without a strong connection to the underlying dispute. This can encourage plaintiffs to seek jurisdictions perceived as more favorable and concentrate cases in particular courts.
The solution: HB 6268 would more closely tie where a lawsuit is filed to the location where the underlying cause of action occurred, while preserving the ability to seek a different venue based on hardship or inconvenience.
Why it matters: Where cases are heard can affect litigation costs, legal uncertainty and how efficiently disputes move through the courts.
What we’re saying: The Michigan Chamber supports the legislation as another practical step toward improved fairness, consistency and predictability in Michigan’s legal system.
The bigger picture: The Chamber is also a proud founding member of the Michigan Alliance for Legal Reform, a coalition of 45 organizations and employers working to advance balanced legal reforms that help ensure a strong, competitive business climate.
Get involved: Have you or your organization been affected by venue shopping? Contact Randy Gross to share your experience or learn more.