The Michigan Senate unanimously approved two bills that seek to ensure personal protection orders (PPO) are immediately served by law enforcement officials at no cost.
Key Points:
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- Senate Bills 611 and 612 were introduced by Senator Stephaie Chang (D-Detroit) and Senator Ruth Johnson (R-Holly).
- Currently, someone seeking a PPO must pay fees that include mileage and other costs for the order to be served, or they may designate someone they know to serve the PPO for them.
- The legislation would require immediate, no-cost service of PPOs by law enforcement.
- Additionally, under the proposal, a PPO issued in domestic violence and stalking situations must be served personally, by registered mail with delivery restricted to the addressee at the last known address, or by another method as allowed by court rules.
- It creates a Personal Protection Order Service Fund, administered by the Michigan State Police, to cover local law enforcement costs for providing the service. The fund received a $1 million appropriation in the FY26 budget.
- The law enforcement agency serving the document may collect $50, or $26 plus mileage, from the fund.
“Forcing someone to choose between not having a PPO served, paying a fee they may not have, or sending a family member or friend to confront someone who has already demonstrated threatening or violent behavior is shameful and illogical,” Senator Johnson said. “These commonsense measures would have Michigan join 43 other states in eliminating these costs and require law enforcement officers to swiftly serve protective orders.”
Next Steps:
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- The bills will be sent to the House for consideration.
