2011 Senate Bill 281 / Public Act 221

Grant narrow lawsuit immunity to bowling alleys

Introduced in the Senate

March 17, 2011

Introduced by Sen. Joe Hune (R-22)

To grant limited immunity to bowling alleys for the liability associated with a very narrow class of “slip-and-fall” lawsuits involving bowling shoes that have been worn outside facility, if the facility complies with certain public notice requirements the bill would establish. Reportedly bowling alleys are getting sued more since a state bar and restaurant smoking ban, because bowlers in bowling shoes step out for a smoke.

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

May 5, 2011

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

June 7, 2011

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

June 8, 2011

Passed in the Senate 30 to 8 (details)

Received in the House

June 8, 2011

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

Oct. 18, 2011

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Oct. 27, 2011

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Nov. 1, 2011

Passed in the House 90 to 19 (details)

To grant limited immunity to bowling alleys for the liability associated with a very narrow class of “slip-and-fall” lawsuits involving bowling shoes that have been worn outside facility, if the facility complies with certain public notice requirements the bill would establish. Reportedly bowling alleys are getting sued more since a state bar and restaurant smoking ban, because bowlers in bowling shoes step out for a smoke.

Received in the Senate

Nov. 2, 2011

Nov. 3, 2011

Passed in the Senate 28 to 10 (details)

To concur with the House-passed version of the bill.

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

Nov. 15, 2011