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SB 612

Civil procedure: service of process; cost for service of process for personal protection orders; eliminate. Amends sec. 2950a of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.2950a) & adds secs. 2950d & 2950p. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0611'25, HB 5120'25

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

Michigan bill eliminates service fees for personal protection orders to reduce financial barriers for domestic violence victims and others seeking court-ordered safety measures.

referred to Committee on Judiciary
#civilprocedure:personalprotectionorders #civilprocedure:serviceofprocess
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Bill Summary · SB 612

Legislative bill overview

SB 612 eliminates costs associated with serving personal protection orders (PPOs) in Michigan civil court proceedings. The bill amends existing civil procedure law to remove financial barriers that currently exist when plaintiffs seek to serve defendants with restraining orders or protection orders, and adds new procedural sections to clarify the process.

Why is this important

Personal protection orders are critical legal tools for domestic violence victims, stalking victims, and others seeking court-ordered safety measures. Eliminating service costs removes a financial barrier that could prevent vulnerable individuals from obtaining legal protection, particularly for those with limited financial resources who may need these orders most urgently.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost shifting: Eliminating service fees means courts or government may absorb these administrative costs, raising questions about budget impact and whether costs are shifted to other areas
  • Access vs. frivolous filings: While cost removal improves access for genuine victims, some may argue it could increase frivolous or retaliatory PPO filings without financial disincentive
  • Uniform application: Unclear whether elimination applies to all protection order types equally or creates different fee structures for different petitioners (domestic violence vs. other PPO categories)

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

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