Opinion ID: 849010
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: legislative confirmation of the exception

Text: This year the Legislature enacted 2001 PA 222,6 which added §§ 16 through 19 to the GTLA . MCL 691.1416 to 691.1419. The new act creates a mechanism for local governmental units to make compensation when a defect in a sewer system causes the type of damage complained of here. Section 17 states: Sections 16 to 19 abrogate common law exceptions, if any, to immunity for the overflow or backup of a sewage disposal system and provide the sole remedy for obtaining any form of relief for damages or physical injuries caused by a sewage disposal system event regardless of the legal theory. [MCL 691.1417(2).] This language acknowledges that there are or, at least, may be common-law exceptions to governmental immunity. Given the intent and the timing of the act, it is apparent that the Legislature sought to prevent this Court from barring homeowner suits for damages. 2001 PA 222 is not alone in acknowledging the likely existence of common-law exceptions to governmental immunity. The Legislature also suggests their existence in § 7a of the GTLA , which it passed in anticipation of Year 2000 computer 6 The act was signed by the Governor after oral arguments were made in this case. 8 failures. Except as . . . provided in . . . Section 13, a political subdivision other than a municipal corporation engaged in the exercise or discharge of a governmental function is immune from liability in an action to recover damages resulting directly or indirectly from a computer failure, including, but not limited to . . . an action based on section 2, 3, 5, 6, or 7. [MCL 691.1407a(1).] This language indicates that an action to recover damages could be founded on § 7, a section that the majority believes is merely an assertion of state immunity. Section 7a of the GTLA and 2001 PA 222, in conjunction with the legislative intent described in Ross and Hadfield, are convincing evidence that the Legislature did not abrogate common-law exceptions to immunity with § 7.