AUTOMATED MOTOR VEHICLE LIABILITY S.B. 998:
SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL
IN COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 998 (as introduced 5-25-16)
Committee: Economic Development and International Investment
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Revised Judicature Act to state that a motor vehicle mechanic or a motor vehicle repair facility that repaired an automated motor vehicle according to specifications from the manufacturer of the vehicle would not be liable in a product liability action for damages resulting from the repairs.
Under Section 2949b of the Act, the manufacturer of a vehicle is not liable and must be dismissed from any action for alleged damages resulting from certain activities, including the conversion of the vehicle into an automated motor vehicle by another person, unless the defect from which the damages resulted was present in the vehicle when it was manufactured.
Also, a subcomponent system producer is not liable in a product liability action for damages resulting from the modification of equipment installed by the producer to convert a vehicle to an automated motor vehicle unless the defect from which the damages resulted was present in the equipment when it was installed by the producer.
The bill would extend immunity to a motor vehicle mechanic and a motor vehicle repair facility, as provided above. "Motor vehicle mechanic" and "motor vehicle repair facility" would mean those terms as defined in the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Act.
The bill would take effect 90 days after it was enacted.
MCL 600.2949b Legislative Analyst: Drew Krogulecki
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Fiscal Analyst: Michael Siracuse
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.