Legislative Advocacy
COVID-19 Liability Protection Bills Introduced in State Legislature: A package of bills were introduced in the House (HB’s 6030 , 6031 , 6032) and the Senate (SB’s 1022 , 1023 , 1024) last week that would provide limited liability protection from lawsuits arising from COVID-19. The legislation has been informed by a large coalition of primarily statewide business groups. The proposed legislation provides that a premise owner (including a college or university) is subject to liability only if he or she intentionally or recklessly disregards a substantial risk that would increase the likelihood that an individual would be exposed to COVID-19, or intentionally exposes a person to the virus. A joint House and Senate Committee Hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, August 6 at 8:30 am to begin taking testimony on the bills. The MCCA, along with the other higher education associations, will be putting in a card of support.
Fire Code Executive Order Issued by Governor Whitmer: On Wednesday, July 29, the Governor signed Executive Order 2020-159 which would allow Michigan’s Colleges and Universities to proceed with converting large spaces for instruction without approval or inspection. The Executive Order amends the Michigan Administrative Code during the State of Emergency to allow colleges and universities to convert large spaces to provide socially distanced learning without inspection or approval from the Bureau of Fire Services.
HELPFUL LINKS
Michigan Legislature’s website (bill tracking and committee meetings)
Michigan House of Representatives
Community College Legal Authority (Michigan Constitution)
For the map of the community college districts, click here.