GOVT. IMMUNITY: VOLUNTEERS
House Bill 5454
Sponsor: Rep. Michael Bishop
Committee: Civil Law and the Judiciary
Complete to 1-18-02
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5454 AS INTRODUCED 11-27-01
Under the governmental immunity act, governmental agencies and their officers, employees, and volunteers are immune from tort liability when engaged in the exercise or discharge of official functions (with certain exceptions). Section 7 of the act explicitly extends this immunity to volunteers. Elsewhere in the act, a governmental agency is authorized to pay for or furnish an attorney to represent officers and employees in civil actions arising from their official duties, and to settle claims and pay damages on their behalf. Further, a governmental agency is authorized to purchase liability insurance to indemnify the agency and its agents, officers, and employees. House Bill 5454 would amend these provisions to also authorize governmental agencies to provide legal representation and provide liability insurance for their volunteers.
MCL 691.1408 and 691.1409
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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.