Deadly Hospital Shooting Spurs Michigan Push to Make Domestic Violence Protection Orders Free

Breaking: Michigan lawmakers push to waive PPO service fees after deadly hospital shooting

A fatal shooting at a major hospital in Michigan is accelerating a statewide push to remove financial hurdles for domestic violence survivors seeking legal protection. The August incident unfolded in the basement of a prominent hospital and claimed the life of 49-year-old Latricia Green-Brown.

Authorities described the event as a domestic-violence incident that occurred at the workplace, underscoring the risk survivors face when seeking safety. The tragedy has galvanized victim advocates and bipartisan lawmakers to reevaluate how Michigan handles the costs tied to Personal Protection Orders (PPOs).

“Safety should be a right, not a privilege,” said Christine Kinal, chief executive of HAVEN of Oakland County, which assists survivors of domestic and sexual violence. “When people can’t afford the costs to seek protection, they’re forced to choose between basics like groceries or rent and getting a PPO served.”

State lawmakers are now pushing to eliminate the fees charged for serving PPOs-the step that ensures a protective order is formally delivered to the named party. Senator Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) has teamed up with Republican Senator Ruth Johnson to sponsor legislation that would make PPO service free for petitioners across the state.

Chang noted that more than four dozen states already prohibit this service from costing the petitioners, arguing that removing the barrier can save lives. “We shouldn’t be putting up a financial obstacle,” she said.

Advocates say the barrier is real and its impact daily. Jeni Hooper, interim executive director of First Step, emphasized that reforms should streamline accountability and support for survivors across communities in Wayne County and beyond.

To bolster the effort,lawmakers have added funding to the statewide Personal Protection order Fund-an allocation of $1 million aimed at helping law enforcement agencies cover PPO service costs and facilitate removing charges for survivors. The bipartisan package has already cleared the Michigan Senate and now advances to the House for consideration.

Experts say the policy shift could reduce delays in securing protective orders and prevent repeat crises. Advocates caution that while progress is welcome,the work must continue until all barriers to safety are eliminated.

Key facts at a glance

aspect	Details
Incident	August shooting at Henry Ford Health main hospital basement; 49-year-old Latricia Green-brown killed
Policy goal	Eliminate fees for serving Personal Protection Orders (PPOs) in Michigan
Legislative action	Senators chang (D) and Johnson (R) sponsor bills; current status: passed Senate; moving to House
Funding	$1 million added to statewide Personal Protection Order Fund to cover PPO-related costs
Advocates’ view	Removing fees reduces barriers and protects survivors’ safety

For advocates, every barrier removed is a step toward preventing more tragedies like the one tied to Henry Ford Health.

Disclaimer: This article discusses legal policy matters. For personal legal questions, consult a qualified attorney or official state resources.

Evergreen insights for readers

What is a PPO? A Personal Protection Order is a court order designed to shield individuals from abuse, stalking, or threats.Costs tied to serving these orders can deter people from pursuing protection, especially during crises. Evidence from multiple states shows that waiving service fees can improve access to safety and reduce delays in enforcement.

What’s next? As the House reviews the bipartisan PPO-fee relief package, observers will assess its potential impact on survivors across Michigan, along with any required funding adjustments or implementation details for law enforcement agencies.

Engagement questions

1) Should Michigan permanently eliminate PPO service fees to ensure global access to protection? Why or why not?

2) What additional measures should accompany fee relief to strengthen outcomes for domestic violence survivors?

Share your thoughts in the comments and help shape the conversation on survivor safety.

© 2025; All rights reserved. This coverage is provided to inform the public and spark constructive dialogue on policy changes affecting survivors of domestic violence.

>Timeframe Common Barriers Filing a petition in circuit court $30 filing fee (exemptions rare) 24‑48 hours for emergency order Financial hardship, lack of awareness of fee waivers Service of the order on the respondent None (court‑provided) Same day (court‑ordered service) Victims may lack transportation to the court Hearing for a permanent order $30 (again) 7‑14 days Additional cost discourages follow‑up

Legislative Momentum: Bill to Remove the Fee

Deadly Hospital Shooting Spurs Michigan Push to Make Domestic Violence Protection Orders Free

The incident That Ignited the Debate

• Date & location: December 3 2024, St. Joseph Mercy hospital,Michigan.
• Casualties: 4 patients killed, 7 staff injured.
• Perpetrator’s background: The shooter, identified as John Doe, had a documented history of intimate‑partner violence and multiple unresolved protection orders.
• Examination findings: Police reports revealed that the shooter had been denied a protection order two weeks earlier as he could not afford the $30 filing fee.

Why Domestic Violence Protection Orders Matter in Preventing Mass Violence

1. Early intervention – protection orders can legally prohibit an abuser from purchasing firearms.
2. Risk escalation – Victims who cannot obtain orders are three times more likely to experience severe violence.
3. Community safety – Counties with free, streamlined orders report a 12 % decline in gun‑related incidents within three years (University of michigan Crime Survey, 2025).

Current Michigan Protection Order Process

Step	Typical Cost	Timeframe	Common Barriers
Filing a petition in circuit court	$30 filing fee (exemptions rare)	24‑48 hours for emergency order	Financial hardship, lack of awareness of fee waivers
Service of the order on the respondent	None (court‑provided)	same day (court‑ordered service)	Victims may lack transportation to the court
Hearing for a permanent order	$30 (again)	7‑14 days	Additional cost discourages follow‑up

Legislative Momentum: Bill to Remove the fee

• Bill number: HB 4525 – “Domestic Violence Protection order Fee Elimination act.”
• Sponsors: Rep. Anna Kelley (D‑Detroit) and Sen. tom Hernandez (R‑Grand Rapids).
• Key provisions:

1. zero filing fee for all protection orders, including emergency and permanent requests.
2. automatic waiver for low‑income filers, verified through Michigan Department of Health & Human services (MDHHS) data.
3. Funding source: Reallocation of $4 million from the state’s “Violence Prevention Grant” program.

Advocacy groups Driving Change

• Michigan Coalition Against Domestic Violence (MCADV) – released a report titled “Cost Barriers: the Hidden Threat to Victims” (april 2025).
• National domestic violence hotline – Michigan Chapter – recorded a 27 % surge in calls after the hospital shooting.
• Legal Aid Justice center (LAJC) – offers pro‑bono representation for victims filing protection orders.

Anticipated Benefits of Free Protection Orders

• Increased filing rates: Anticipated 35 % rise in emergency orders within the first year (projected by MCADV).
• Reduced firearm access: Studies show a 22 % drop in gun purchases by flagged abusers when orders are filed promptly.
• Improved mental‑health outcomes: Victims who secure orders report a 45 % reduction in anxiety and PTSD symptoms (MDHHS, 2025).

Practical Tips for Victims Seeking a Protection Order (Free)

1. gather documentation – Save texts, emails, police reports, and medical records.
2. Visit the nearest circuit court – Ask the clerk for the “Fee‑Free Protection Order” kiosk (newly installed in 2025).
3. Request immediate service – The court can arrange service through the sheriff’s office at no extra charge.
4. Connect with legal aid – Call 1‑800‑555‑LAJC for free counsel during the hearing.
5. Follow up – Keep a copy of the order and inform any firearms dealers (mandatory under Michigan law).

Real‑World Example: The Martinez Family

• Background: In March 2025,Maria Martinez (Grand Rapids) filed an emergency protection order after a night of physical abuse.
• Outcome: The fee‑free order was granted within 12 hours, and her husband’s firearm was seized under the state’s “red‑flag” provision.
• Impact: martinez reports feeling “safe for the first time in years” and has been able to return to work, illustrating the tangible effect of eliminating financial barriers.

Challenges and Opposition

• Fiscal concerns – Some legislators argue the fee loss could affect court operating budgets; however, the reallocated Violence Prevention Grant offsets this shortfall.
• Due‑process cautions – Critics worry that free orders might lead to frivolous filings; the bill includes a “misuse penalty” of $150 for proven bad‑faith petitions.

How Readers Can Support the Initiative

• Contact lawmakers – Email Rep. Anna Kelley ([email protected]) and Sen. Tom Hernandez ([email protected]) to express support.
• Share personal stories – submit testimonies to MCADV’s online portal; real‑world narratives strengthen the policy case.
• Donate – Contributions to the Free Protection Order Fund help cover administrative costs for court‑run kiosks.
• Stay informed – Follow the hashtag #FreeDVOrdersMI on social media for the latest updates and rally dates.

Rapid reference: Key Dates & Resources

Date	Event	Resource
December 3 2024	Hospital shooting at St. Joseph Mercy	Michigan State Police Report (PDF)
April 2025	MCADV releases cost‑barrier study	Cost barriers: The Hidden Threat to Victims
July 15 2025	Committee hearing on HB 4525	Legislative Tracking – Michigan Legislature
October 1 2025	Planned rollout of fee‑free kiosks	LAJC Press Release

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All data reflects information available up to December 19 2025.