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SB 592

Civil procedure: civil actions; civil actions against certain opioid litigation settlement defendants; prohibit. Amends secs. 2 & 3 of 2022 PA 85 (MCL 691.1672 & 691.1673).

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Rosemary Bayer

Michigan law restricts civil lawsuits against opioid settlement defendants, limiting future liability exposure for companies that have already settled opioid claims.

ASSIGNED PA 0228'23 WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT
#civilprocedure:civilactions #controlledsubstances:opioids #state:other
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 592

Legislative bill overview

SB 592 amends Michigan's 2022 opioid litigation settlement law to prohibit certain civil actions against defendants who have settled opioid-related claims. The bill modifies the scope of liability protections granted to opioid settlement defendants, restricting their exposure to future lawsuits tied to opioid-related harms.

Why is this important

This legislation directly affects opioid litigation outcomes and determines which parties can be held financially accountable for opioid distribution and marketing. The changes alter compensation pathways for opioid victims and communities, potentially limiting recovery options while providing broader protection to settled defendants.

Potential points of contention

  • Victim access to compensation: Restricting civil actions may limit opioid victims' ability to pursue additional damages beyond settlement agreements already reached
  • Scope of liability protection: Questions about whether the settlement protections are too broad or appropriately balanced between defendant protection and continued accountability
  • Medicaid and public recovery: Uncertainty about whether state and local governments retain adequate legal tools to recover opioid-related healthcare and enforcement costs not covered by settlements

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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