LANSING, Mich. (Oct. 15, 2025) — Senate and House lawmakers introduced bipartisan legislation to reduce barriers to Personal Protection Orders (PPOs) for victims of domestic violence, harassment, stalking, or assault. The bills were developed after the tragic death of Latricia Green, who was shot and killed by her ex-husband at Henry Ford Health Main Hospital. Sponsored by Sens. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) and Ruth Johnson (R-Holly), Senate Bills 611-612 would require that a PPO be immediately served and at no cost to the victim by a law enforcement agency. House versions of these bills will be introduced by Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit).
“No one should have to forgo the safety provided under a Personal Protection Order simply because of the amount of money in their wallet,” said Sen. Chang. “By eliminating longstanding barriers that leave victims vulnerable to those who seek to harm them, our bipartisan legislation would save lives and make Michigan safer. I’m proud to have worked with colleagues from both parties and both chambers to advance this important package — especially during Domestic Violence Awareness Month— to bring our state in line with the majority of states so that Michiganders seeking PPOs can live safely and without fear.”
Within the United States, 43 states, the District of Columbia, and two territories already require that PPO service take place free of charge. In Michigan, the cost to serve a PPO can include a service fee plus mileage traveled, which can easily cost almost $100 — an amount that could be especially tough for someone fleeing domestic violence to afford. This legislation would not only make it less financially burdensome for victims but also safer by ensuring the PPO is served by a member of law enforcement rather than a friend or family member of the victim, which is allowed under current law.
“Michigan needs to join 43 other states to better protect our residents who are fleeing situations of domestic violence, stalking, and harassment,” said Sen. Johnson. “These reforms are critical, common-sense, and long overdue. Personal protection orders should be served promptly by law enforcement. During Domestic Violence Month and always, we must be committed to advancing solutions that help to support the safety and peace of mind of survivors of domestic violence.”
By requiring PPOs to be served without delay, this legislation aims to prevent tragedies like the one that occurred earlier this summer when Michigan resident Latricia Green was stalked and murdered in her workplace by her estranged ex-husband at Henry Ford Hospital’s main campus in Detroit. Ms. Green had been granted a second PPO a month earlier, but the order had not yet been served on her ex-husband.
“As state legislators, it’s our duty to keep people safe and protected, especially those in our communities who are most vulnerable, such as victims of domestic abuse,” said Rep. Scott. “Latricia Green should still be alive today, and by making these urgent changes to Michigan’s PPO process, this legislation can help prevent what happened to her from happening to others in our state who are facing the same situation.”
As part of the recent 2026 state budget agreement, $1 million was secured for a PPO Service Fund within the Michigan State Police — resources that would be used to reimburse designated law enforcement agencies to carry out this critical work.
“This legislation is a critical step forward in removing barriers for survivors seeking safety,” said Johanna Kononen, Associate Director of the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence. “By ensuring law enforcement can serve Personal Protection Orders at no cost, Michigan is affirming that survivors should not bear the financial burden of enforcing their own protection. This funding will help ensure timely service of PPOs, increase accountability for perpetrators, and send a clear message that survivor safety is a public priority.”
“Michigan needs to enact legislation that would require law enforcement agencies to serve personal protection orders at no cost to survivors,” said Rebecca Shiemke, chair of the Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board. “Providing free service for the process of Personal Protection Orders would enhance the safety of victims by eliminating a financial barrier for those who need the assistance of the court system to avoid threats of violence. Service is critical in protecting victims from identified offenders, and a victim’s ability to access the safety offered by a Personal Protection Order should not depend on their financial status.”
This legislation was crafted alongside several partners, including the Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board, the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic Violence, and Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy.