2016 House Bill 5282

Revise municipal sewer backup immunity

Introduced in the House

Feb. 2, 2016

Introduced by Rep. Michael Webber (R-45)

To revise details of a <a href="http://www.michiganvotes.org/2006-HB-4087">2002 law</a> that gives local governments limited immunity for damages caused by municipal sewer backups if they are properly operating and maintaining the sewer. The bill would revise details of where that immunity ends based on the amount of rainfall, and define a "construction defect" in sewer systems that would allow lawsuits to proceed.

Referred to the Committee on Local Government and Municipal Finance

May 25, 2016

Reported without amendment

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

Nov. 29, 2016

Amendment offered by Rep. Sheldon Neeley (D-34)

To eliminate the current lawsuit immunity provisions for municipalities in this area.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Erika Geiss (D-12)

To lower the bar further for sewer backup lawsuits against local governments.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Nov. 30, 2016

Passed in the House 62 to 44 (details)

Received in the Senate

Dec. 1, 2016

Referred to the Committee on Local Government