Civil procedure: service of process; cost for service of process for personal protection orders; eliminate. Amends secs. 2559 & 2950 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.2559 & 600.2950). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0612'25, HB 5121'25

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sarah Anthony and 9 co-sponsors

Senate Bill 611 eliminates fees for serving personal protection orders in domestic violence cases, enhancing access to justice for victims through a dedicated funding system.

referred to Committee on Judiciary

#civilprocedure:personalprotectionorders #civilprocedure:serviceofprocess

Overview

Senate Bill 611, introduced on October 16, 2025, aims to amend the Revised Judicature Act of 1961 by modifying the service of process for personal protection orders (PPOs) related to domestic violence and stalking. The bill seeks to eliminate fees charged to petitioners for serving these court documents, thereby ensuring compliance with federal law and enhancing access to justice for victims.

Main Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of SB 611 is to:
- Prohibit Fees: Prevent courts and law enforcement agencies from charging petitioners a fee for serving court documents in PPO proceedings related to domestic violence or stalking.
- Establish a Fund: Create a Personal Protection Order Service Fund to cover the costs associated with serving these documents by law enforcement agencies.

Key Provisions

Fee Prohibition:

Courts and law enforcement agencies cannot charge petitioners for serving court documents in PPO cases.
This aligns with federal requirements under the Violence Against Women Act, which disqualifies states from receiving certain grant funds if they impose such fees.

Personal Protection Order Service Fund:

The bill establishes a fund managed by the Michigan State Police (MSP) to finance the service of court documents related to PPOs.
Law enforcement agencies can charge $50 for completed service from this fund, ensuring that petitioners do not bear the cost directly.

Service Modifications:

The bill modifies existing service requirements for PPOs, allowing law enforcement to serve documents by first-class mail to the respondent's address.
Subsequent documents can also be served via mail, except for specific motions that require personal service.

Funding and Fiscal Impact:

The estimated annual appropriation for the fund is between $750,000 and $1.5 million, considering over 10,000 PPO requests filed annually.
The bill is expected to have a minimal fiscal impact on local courts and law enforcement, provided the fund is adequately financed.

Affected Parties

Petitioners: Individuals seeking PPOs will benefit from the elimination of service fees, making it easier for them to access legal protections.

Law Enforcement Agencies: Agencies will be responsible for serving documents but will receive reimbursement from the newly created fund.

State Budget: The establishment of the fund may require adjustments in state appropriations to ensure sufficient resources for its operation.

Procedural Aspects

Current Status: SB 611 has been referred to the Committee of the Whole with a substitute version (S-1) and is tie-barred with Senate Bill 612, which addresses similar issues.

Legislative Actions: The bill has undergone committee review and has been reported favorably with a substitute as of December 2, 2025.

Conclusion

Senate Bill 611 represents a significant step toward improving the legal process for victims of domestic violence and stalking by removing financial barriers to obtaining protective orders. By establishing a dedicated fund for service costs, the bill aims to enhance the safety and accessibility of legal protections for vulnerable individuals.

Bill