MI HB6517

Caps noneconomic damages in product liability actions at $280,000, or $500,000 if the defect caused death or permanent loss of a vital bodily function.

Requires the state treasurer to adjust damage caps annually to match limitations provided in section 1483 of the Revised Judicature Act.

Eliminates the damage cap for cases involving portable devices using electro-muscular disruption technology (tasers).

Requires juries to itemize damages into economic and noneconomic losses, with courts adjusting noneconomic awards to comply with the caps.

Removes the damage cap if the trier of fact determines by preponderance of the evidence that death or permanent loss resulted from the defendant's gross negligence.