Michigan Lawmakers Seek to Waive PPO Service Fees

Proposed legislation aims to eliminate costs for domestic violence victims serving protection orders.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Sex Crimes

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a single neoclassical stone pillar, symbolizing structural legal support and access to justice. — Michigan lawmakers passed legislation in September 2026 to waive service fees for domestic violence protection orders, removing significant financial barriers for victims. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should the state remove fees for low-income residents seeking personal protection orders?

Michigan lawmakers introduced House Bills 5120 and 5121 to waive personal protection order service fees for domestic violence victims. The state House of Representatives passed the legislation in September 2026.

Why it matters

Service fees create significant financial barriers for abuse victims who may have already lost income due to domestic violence. Eliminating these costs ensures that victims can access legal protections without additional economic strain.

House Bills 5120 and 5121 are currently under review by the Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety Committee in the Michigan Senate. The proposed law would establish a fund in the state treasury to cover costs for law enforcement agencies.

The players

Michigan House of Representatives

This is the lower chamber of the Michigan Legislature which passed the proposed bills in September 2026.

Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety Committee

This committee of the Michigan Senate is currently reviewing the legislation to determine its future progress.

The details

The bills mandate that law enforcement agencies serve protection orders at no cost to victims, removing a financial hurdle in the judicial process. This change supports victims by shifting the burden of administrative fees from the individual to a new state-managed fund.

The Michigan House of Representatives passed the legislation in September 2026.

Legal Context

This legislation reflects a broader trend of reforming judicial access by removing financial barriers for domestic violence victims. It follows a shift in how the state manages the Michigan Personal Protection Order (PPO) statutes to ensure victims can access safety without cost.

Victims of domestic violence in Michigan may soon access protection orders without paying the $100 to $200 service fee previously required. This reform ensures that local safety measures remain accessible regardless of the victim's immediate financial situation.

The takeaway

Legislators are working to lower the cost of safety for vulnerable residents by eliminating administrative fees. This initiative highlights the importance of removing economic hurdles within the judicial system to protect survivors of domestic violence.