LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Private child welfare agencies and their workers in Michigan will get extra protection from lawsuits if they're under contract with the state under a new law signed by Secretary of State Ruth Johnson.
They'll be immune from liability for personal injuries or property damages unless their conduct amounts to "gross negligence or willful misconduct."
The law's designed to mirror legal protections already given to state employees who provide services to private agencies. The bill was sponsored by Republican Sen. David Hildenbrand of Lowell.
Johnson is serving as acting governor with Rick Snyder and Lt. Gov. Brian Calley out of the state until later Monday.
She signed five other bills Monday. About three-dozen remain on Snyder's desk from the end of the legislative session.
