Advocacy News – Aug. 21, 2025
What’s new: This week, the State House heard testimony on legislation to restore fairness and predictability in Michigan’s premises liability law. The bill would reinstate portions of the longstanding “open and obvious” doctrine – overturned by the Michigan Supreme Court in 2023 – which shielded property owners from liability when a hazard was clearly visible (like ice or pothole).
Why it matters: Michigan is now one of the few states in the nation without this protection, making the Great Lake State a hotspot for frivolous litigation.
What we’re saying: As the MI Chamber testified, there are numerous consequences and job providers face significant, real-world impacts without it:
- More lawsuits and legal uncertainty
- Higher costs ultimately passed onto consumers
- Longer backlogs and heavier dockets in our courts
House Bill 4582 would restore balance and predictability in our legal system, protect small businesses and property owners from unfair liability and curb abusive litigation.
What’s next: The MI Chamber will continue to advocate for passage by the House.
Go deeper: Learn more or read our testimony before the House Judiciary Committee
- Contact Zach Rudat with questions or to share your story.