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SB 260

Torts: governmental immunity; governmental agency and employee liability for criminal sexual conduct; allow. Amends sec. 7 of 1964 PA 170 (MCL 691.1407) & adds sec. 7d. TIE BAR WITH: SB 257'25

2025-2026 Regular Session

Michigan bill removes governmental immunity protections for agencies and employees in criminal sexual conduct cases, allowing victims to pursue civil liability claims.

referred to Committee on Government Operations
#torts:governmentalimmunity
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 260

Legislative bill overview

SB 260 amends Michigan's governmental immunity law to remove protections that shield government agencies and employees from liability in criminal sexual conduct cases. The bill creates a specific carve-out allowing victims to sue governmental entities and their employees for damages related to sexual crimes, despite the traditional doctrine of sovereign immunity.

Why is this important

Currently, Michigan law broadly protects government agencies from lawsuits through sovereign immunity, which can prevent sexual assault victims from recovering damages from public institutions even when negligence or misconduct occurred. This bill would hold government agencies and employees accountable for criminal sexual conduct, potentially increasing compensation for victims and creating financial incentives for institutions to improve safety protocols and oversight.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact on government budgets: Removing immunity exposes state and local governments to significant liability claims, potentially increasing insurance costs and reducing funds available for other public services
  • Scope of liability concerns: The bill may create ambiguity about which government actions qualify for liability removal—whether it applies only to direct perpetrators, supervisors, or broader institutional negligence
  • Tied legislation risk: The tie-bar with SB 257 means both bills must pass together, potentially forcing compromise on unrelated provisions or creating deadlock if one bill stalls

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

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