More Civil Practice news More news in Michigan Find Civil Practice lawyers in Michigan
On January 27, 2026, the Michigan legislature passed a bill that will have a significant impact on civil practice procedures in the state. The bill, known as HB 345, was introduced last year and has been the subject of much debate and discussion among lawmakers and legal experts.HB 345 includes several key provisions that will change the way civil cases are handled in Michigan courts. One of the most notable changes is the introduction of mandatory mediation for certain types of civil disputes. Under the new law, parties involved in personal injury cases, employment disputes, and other select types of civil litigation will be required to participate in mediation before their case can proceed to trial.Supporters of the bill argue that mandatory mediation will help to reduce the backlog of cases in Michigan courts and lead to faster, more cost-effective resolutions for parties involved in civil disputes. However, critics of the legislation have raised concerns about potential delays in the litigation process and the impact on the rights of parties to have their day in court.In addition to the mandatory mediation provision, HB 345 also includes changes to the rules governing motions for summary judgment in civil cases. The bill establishes a new standard for granting summary judgment, requiring parties to demonstrate a genuine issue of material fact before the court can dismiss a case without a full trial.Overall, the passage of HB 345 represents a significant shift in civil practice procedures in Michigan. The bill is expected to have a broad impact on the state's legal system and could lead to changes in how civil cases are litigated in Michigan courts in the years to come. Lawmakers and legal experts will be closely monitoring the implementation of the new law to assess its effects on the state's civil justice system.