Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Sen. Irwin would restore justice to residents impacted by drug industry
For the last thirty years, Michigan Democrats have been fighting for the repeal of the drug industry immunity law since its creation in 1995. Since then, there have been 19 bills brought forth to attempt to repeal the drug immunity law.
In the past, this law prevented Michigan’s residents and Attorneys General from participating in national class action suits or filing complaints against pharmaceutical companies. In most instances, this led to a lack of accountability and justice for those impacted by faulty pharmaceutical drugs — but no more.
On October 18, the Michigan Senate passed Senate Bill 410 with bipartisan support from legislators and stakeholders. Under the previous legislation, Michigan was the only state in the nation that provided drug manufacturers with broad immunity for product liability. However, under Sen. Jeff Irwin’s (D-Ann Arbor) sponsored legislation, Michigan would remove the special protections for drug manufacturers, restoring accountability and access to justice for Michiganders across the state.
Due to this recent legislative action, Michiganders and their families will be more easily able to seek justice and recoup damages if a prescription drug has led to injury, or in some unfortunate cases, death.
“This legislation has been long overdue, and it has been something I have wanted to do since I became a lawmaker,” said Sen. Irwin. “Michiganders now know they can count on our Legislature to restore justice and accountability if they are ever negatively affected by the pharmaceutical drug industry. Given the strong support, from both sides of the aisle, I believe we are truly delivering for residents.”
My bill (SB410) would restore the rights of Michigan residents to seek justice when they or their family are injured or killed by pharmaceutical drugs.
— Jeff Irwin (@JeffMIrwin) October 7, 2023
Michigan is the only state in the nation that has a law like this.
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Next, the Irwin-sponsored legislation is headed to the House of Representatives for further consideration. After that, the bill will make its way to Gov. Whitmer’s desk for approval. Once it is officially signed into law, swift changes are expected to follow.
“I am looking forward to progress once this bill becomes law,” added Sen. Irwin. “Holding drug corporations accountable, especially when there are discrepancies is imperative. I know so many people who have been harmed or did not gain fair restitution. And though this bill cannot change what happened to them, it can most definitely aid in their healing process and ensure their stories are not forgotten.”
Amid the opioid epidemic, conversations regarding the responsibility of drug manufacturers to consumers are becoming increasingly common. Knowing that Michigan Senate Democrats are at the forefront of this kind of change is exciting.
Read more from the Michigan Senate Democrats at SenateDems.com/press.