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SB 590

Torts: liability; immunity for individuals rendering emergency services who apply bleeding control; provide for. Amends 1963 PA 17 (MCL 691.1501 - 691.1507) by adding sec. 8. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0591'25

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stephanie Chang and 1 co-sponsor

Michigan bill grants immunity to civilians applying emergency bleeding control during medical emergencies, encouraging bystander intervention in mass casualty situations.

referred to second reading
#torts:liability
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 590

Legislative bill overview

SB 590 amends Michigan's tort liability law to add immunity protections for ordinary citizens who provide emergency bleeding control (such as tourniquet application) to injured persons. The bill extends Good Samaritan-style protections to lay responders performing this specific first aid intervention during emergencies.

Why is this important

Mass casualty events and trauma deaths have prompted many states to encourage rapid bleeding control by bystanders before professional medical help arrives. This bill removes legal barriers that might discourage civilians from intervening to stop life-threatening hemorrhage, potentially increasing survival rates in emergencies. The connected SB 591 likely provides complementary provisions (such as training or access to bleeding control kits).

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of immunity: Unclear whether immunity covers only correct tourniquet application or extends to negligent/improper use that worsens bleeding or causes tissue damage
  • Training requirements: Bill language doesn't specify whether responders need CPR/first aid certification, raising questions about liability for untrained interventions
  • Liability for instructors/kit distributors: Ambiguous whether immunity extends to organizations teaching bleeding control or distributing tourniquets, potentially creating unequal legal protection

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

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