Michigan Compiled Laws

Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103 (2026)

Definitions.

✓ current as of July 2026

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PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES CIVIL RIGHTS ACT

Act 220 of 1976

37.1103 Definitions.

Sec. 103.

As used in this act:

(a) "Alcoholic liquor" means that term as defined in section 105 of the Michigan liquor control code of 1998, 1998 PA 58, MCL 436.1105.

(b) "Commission" means the civil rights commission established by section 29 of article V of the state constitution of 1963.

(c) "Controlled substance" means that term as defined in section 7104 of the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.7104.

(d) Except as provided under subdivision (f), "disability" means 1 or more of the following:

(i) A determinable physical or mental characteristic of an individual, which may result from disease, injury, congenital condition of birth, or functional disorder, if the characteristic:

(A) For purposes of article 2, substantially limits 1 or more of the major life activities of that individual and is unrelated to the individual's ability to perform the duties of a particular job or position or substantially limits 1 or more of the major life activities of that individual and is unrelated to the individual's qualifications for employment or promotion.

(B) For purposes of article 3, is unrelated to the individual's ability to utilize and benefit from a place of public accommodation or public service.

(C) For purposes of article 4, is unrelated to the individual's ability to utilize and benefit from educational opportunities, programs, and facilities at an educational institution.

(D) For purposes of article 5, substantially limits 1 or more of that individual's major life activities and is unrelated to the individual's ability to acquire, rent, or maintain property.

(ii) A history of a determinable physical or mental characteristic described in subparagraph (i).

(iii) Being regarded as having a determinable physical or mental characteristic described in subparagraph (i).

(e) "Drug" means that term as defined in section 7105 of the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.7105.

(f) For purposes of article 2, disability does not include either of the following:

(i) A determinable physical or mental characteristic caused by the current illegal use of a controlled substance by that individual.

(ii) A determinable physical or mental characteristic caused by the use of an alcoholic liquor by that individual, if that physical or mental characteristic prevents that individual from performing the duties of his or her job.

(g) "Person" includes an individual, agent, association, corporation, joint apprenticeship committee, joint-stock company, labor union, legal representative, mutual company, partnership, receiver, trust, trustee in bankruptcy, unincorporated organization, this state, or any other legal, commercial, or governmental entity or agency.

(h) "Person with a disability" or "person with disabilities" means an individual who has 1 or more disabilities.

(i) "Political subdivision" means a county, city, village, township, school district, or special district or authority of this state.

(j) "State average weekly wage" means the state average weekly wage as determined by the Michigan employment security commission under section 27 of the Michigan employment security act, 1936 (Ex Sess) PA 1, MCL 421.27.

(k) "Temporary employee" means an employee hired for a position that will not exceed 90 days in duration.

(l) "Unrelated to the individual's ability" means, with or without accommodation, an individual's disability does not prevent the individual from doing 1 or more of the following:

(i) For purposes of article 2, performing the duties of a particular job or position.

(ii) For purposes of article 3, utilizing and benefiting from a place of public accommodation or public service.

(iii) For purposes of article 4, utilizing and benefiting from educational opportunities, programs, and facilities at an educational institution.

(iv) For purposes of article 5, acquiring, renting, or maintaining property.

History: 1976, Act 220, Eff. Mar. 31, 1977 ;-- Am. 1980, Act 478, Imd. Eff. Jan. 20, 1981 ;-- Am. 1990, Act 121, Imd. Eff. June 25, 1990 ;-- Am. 1992, Act 123, Imd. Eff. June 29, 1992 ;-- Am. 1998, Act 20, Imd. Eff. Mar. 12, 1998 ;-- Am. 1999, Act 201, Eff. Mar. 10, 2000

Compiler's Notes:

Enacting section 1 of Act 201 of 1999 provides:

“Enacting section 1. This amendatory act is curative and intended to correct any misinterpretation of legislative intent in the court of appeals decision in Doe v Department of Corrections, 236 Mich App 801 (1999). This legislation further expresses the original intent of the legislature that an individual serving a sentence of imprisonment in a state or county correctional facility is not within the purview of this act.”

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 146 cases (30 in the last 5 years), 1982–2026 · leading case: Chmielewski v. Xermac, Inc, 580 N.W.2d 817 (Mich. 1998).

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Chmielewski v. Xermac, Inc, 580 N.W.2d 817 (Mich. 1998). · cites it 16× “[MCL 37.1103(b)(i); MSA 3.550(103)(b)(i).] The Legislature amended the definitional language in 1990 to define "handicap.”

Michalski v. Bar-Levav, 625 N.W.2d 754 (Mich. 2001). · cites it 8× “§ 37.1103(d); MSA 3.550(103)(d). Apart from substituting the word "disability" for the word "handicap," the subsections are identical.”

in Re Bradley Est., 835 N.W.2d 545 (Mich. 2013). · cites it 4× “2202 (defining “employer” to expressly include state actors who are in turn liable for certain discriminatory conduct); and the Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act, MCL 37.1103(g), MCL 37.1201(b), and MCL 37.”

Peden v. City of Detroit, 680 N.W.2d 857 (Mich. 2004). · cites it 4× “" MCL 37.1103( l )(i). Thus, like the ADA, the PWDCRA generally protects only against discrimination based on physical or mental disabilities that substantially limit a major life activity of the disabled individual, but that, with or without accommodation, do not prevent the…”

Mccormick v. Carrier, 795 N.W.2d 517 (Mich. 2010). · cites it 2× “” MCL 37.1103(e)(i)(A). Then-Justice KELLY, joined by Justice CAVANAGH, stated in dissent: where the majority wishes to do so.”

Rourk v. Oakwood Hosp. Corp., 580 N.W.2d 397 (Mich. 1998). · cites it 8× “§ 37.1103; M.S.A. *399 § 3.550(103). In the case presented, plaintiff argues that her employer was obligated under the HCRA's accommodation provisions to transfer plaintiff to a different job.”

Lash v. City of Traverse City, 735 N.W.2d 628 (Mich. 2007). · cites it 2× “2202(1)(a); as well as the Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act, MCL 37.1103(g), MCL 37.1201(b), and MCL 37.”

Chmielewski v. Xermac, Inc, 550 N.W.2d 797 (Mich. Ct. App. 1996). · cites it 8× “§ 37.1103(b)(i); M.S.A. § 3.550(103)(b)(i).”

In re City of Detroit, 548 B.R. 748 (Bankr. E.D. Mich. 2016). · cites it 2× “2202 (1), and the Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act, Mich. Comp. Laws §§ 37.1103 (d)(i)(A), 37.”

Wardlow v. Great Lakes Express Co., 339 N.W.2d 670 (Mich. Ct. App. 1983). · cites it 4× “" MCL 37.1103(b); MSA 3.550(103)(b). MCL 37.”

Chiles v. Mach. Shop, Inc, 606 N.W.2d 398 (Mich. Ct. App. 2000). · cites it 2× “[MCL 37.1103(d); MSA 3.550(103)(d).] Thus, not every impairment rises to the level of a disability under the pwdcra.”

White v. Telcom Credit Union, 874 F. Supp. 2d 690 (E.D. Mich. 2012). · cites it 4× “(quoting Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103 (1)®). ‘“Unrelated to the individual’s ability’ means, with or without accommodation, an individual’s disability does not prevent the individual from .”

Show all 146 citing cases →

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103(1) — 3 cases

Rourk v. Oakwood Hosp. Corp., 580 N.W.2d 397 (Mich. 1998). “§ 37.1103; M.S.A. *399 § 3.550(103). In the case presented, plaintiff argues that her employer was obligated under the HCRA's accommodation provisions to transfer plaintiff to a different job.”

Bertrand v. City of MacKinac Island, 662 N.W.2d 77 (Mich. Ct. App. 2003).

Pernak v. Ashland, Inc., 330 F. Supp. 2d 890 (E.D. Mich. 2004).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103(1)(i) — 2 cases

Fritz v. Mascotech Auto. Sys. Grp., Inc., 914 F. Supp. 1481 (E.D. Mich. 1996).

Lamoria v. Health Care & Ret. Corp., 584 N.W.2d 589 (Mich. Ct. App. 1998).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103(A)(i) — 2 cases

Berger v. Auto. Media, LLC d/b/a i.M. Branded (E.D. Mich. 2020).

Pietro Degiuli v. City of Taylor (Mich. Ct. App. 2014).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103(D) — 1 case

Lorrie Schafer v. Mid-Michigan Orthopaedic Inst. Pllc (Mich. Ct. App. 2019).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103(D)(i) — 1 case

Mary Payment v. Dep't of Transp. (Mich. Ct. App. 2017).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103(Z) — 1 case

Barber v. Pepsi-Cola Pers., Inc., 78 F. Supp. 2d 683 (W.D. Mich. 1999).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103(a) — 2 cases

Haylee Porterfield v. City of Midland (Mich. Ct. App. 2023).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103(b) — 14 cases

Shelby Twp. Fire Dep't v. Shields, 320 N.W.2d 306 (Mich. Ct. App. 1982).

Wardlow v. Great Lakes Express Co., 339 N.W.2d 670 (Mich. Ct. App. 1983). “" MCL 37.1103(b); MSA 3.550(103)(b). MCL 37.”

Means v. Jowa Sec. Servs., 440 N.W.2d 23 (Mich. Ct. App. 1989).

Rancour v. Detroit Edison Co., 388 N.W.2d 336 (Mich. Ct. App. 1986).

Adkerson v. MK-Ferguson Co., 477 N.W.2d 465 (Mich. Ct. App. 1991).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103(b)(1) — 1 case

Mitchell v. Gen. Motors Acceptance Corp., 439 N.W.2d 261 (Mich. Ct. App. 1989).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103(b)(i) — 12 cases

Chmielewski v. Xermac, Inc, 580 N.W.2d 817 (Mich. 1998). “[MCL 37.1103(b)(i); MSA 3.550(103)(b)(i).] The Legislature amended the definitional language in 1990 to define "handicap.”

Chmielewski v. Xermac, Inc, 550 N.W.2d 797 (Mich. Ct. App. 1996). “§ 37.1103(b)(i); M.S.A. § 3.550(103)(b)(i).”

Chandler v. Dowell Schlumberger, Inc, 542 N.W.2d 310 (Mich. Ct. App. 1995).

Sanchez v. Lagoudakis, 581 N.W.2d 257 (Mich. 1998).

Wilson v. Acacia Park Cemetery Ass'n, 413 N.W.2d 79 (Mich. Ct. App. 1987).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103(c) — 2 cases

Wardlow v. Great Lakes Express Co., 339 N.W.2d 670 (Mich. Ct. App. 1983). “" MCL 37.1103(b); MSA 3.550(103)(b). MCL 37.”

Gloss v. Gen. Motors Corp., 360 N.W.2d 596 (Mich. Ct. App. 1984).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103(d) — 25 cases

Peden v. City of Detroit, 680 N.W.2d 857 (Mich. 2004). “" MCL 37.1103( l )(i). Thus, like the ADA, the PWDCRA generally protects only against discrimination based on physical or mental disabilities that substantially limit a major life activity of the disabled individual, but that, with or without accommodation, do not prevent the…”

Michalski v. Bar-Levav, 625 N.W.2d 754 (Mich. 2001). “§ 37.1103(d); MSA 3.550(103)(d). Apart from substituting the word "disability" for the word "handicap," the subsections are identical.”

Chiles v. Mach. Shop, Inc, 606 N.W.2d 398 (Mich. Ct. App. 2000). “[MCL 37.1103(d); MSA 3.550(103)(d).] Thus, not every impairment rises to the level of a disability under the pwdcra.”

Hawkins v. Genesys Health Sys., 704 F. Supp. 2d 688 (E.D. Mich. 2010).

Crancer v. Bd. of Regents, 402 N.W.2d 90 (Mich. Ct. App. 1986).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103(d)(1)(A) — 2 cases

Nancy Boss v. Dep't of Health & Human Servs. (Mich. Ct. App. 2018).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103(d)(i) — 9 cases

Lown v. JJ Eaton Place, 598 N.W.2d 633 (Mich. Ct. App. 1999).

Briggs v. Delta Air Lines, Inc., 353 F. Supp. 3d 641 (E.D. Mich. 2019).

Albert Sobotka v. Olympia Ent. Inc (Mich. Ct. App. 2025).

Karen Camil Cook v. Dte Energy Corp. Servs. LLC (Mich. Ct. App. 2018).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103(d)(i)(A) — 19 cases

Chiles v. Mach. Shop, Inc, 606 N.W.2d 398 (Mich. Ct. App. 2000). “[MCL 37.1103(d); MSA 3.550(103)(d).] Thus, not every impairment rises to the level of a disability under the pwdcra.”

Bageris v. Brandon Twp., 691 N.W.2d 459 (Mich. Ct. App. 2004).

Lown v. JJ Eaton Place, 598 N.W.2d 633 (Mich. Ct. App. 1999).

Hall v. McRea Corp., 605 N.W.2d 354 (Mich. Ct. App. 2000).

Karen Camil Cook v. Dte Energy Corp. Servs. LLC (Mich. Ct. App. 2018).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103(d)(i)(B) — 6 cases

Brandon Baker v. Cosmetic Car Co. Holding Inc (Mich. Ct. App. 2022).

John Lacaria Jr v. Aurora Borealis Motor Inn Inc (Mich. Ct. App. 2016).

Sherrine L McNeal v. Dortch Enter. LLC (Mich. Ct. App. 2019).

Otis Holt v. City of Detroit (Mich. Ct. App. 2021).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103(d)(i)(C) — 4 cases

Tenita Webb-Eaton v. Wayne Cnty. Cmty. Coll. Dist. (Mich. Ct. App. 2017).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103(d)(i)(D) — 1 case

Prj Capital LLC v. Valerie Moran (Mich. Ct. App. 2024).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103(d)(ii) — 4 cases

Briggs v. Delta Air Lines, Inc., 353 F. Supp. 3d 641 (E.D. Mich. 2019).

Brandon Baker v. Cosmetic Car Co. Holding Inc (Mich. Ct. App. 2022).

Crummel v. Maple Hill Auto Grp. (W.D. Mich. 2023).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103(d)(iii) — 9 cases

Briggs v. Delta Air Lines, Inc., 353 F. Supp. 3d 641 (E.D. Mich. 2019).

Kleinknecht v. Trilogy Healthcare of Lapeer, LLC d/b/a Stonegate Health Campus (E.D. Mich. 2020).

Pietro Degiuli v. City of Taylor (Mich. Ct. App. 2014).

Toby O'Brien v. City of Detroit (Mich. Ct. App. 2018).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103(e) — 17 cases

Michalski v. Bar-Levav, 625 N.W.2d 754 (Mich. 2001). “§ 37.1103(d); MSA 3.550(103)(d). Apart from substituting the word "disability" for the word "handicap," the subsections are identical.”

Chmielewski v. Xermac, Inc, 580 N.W.2d 817 (Mich. 1998). “[MCL 37.1103(b)(i); MSA 3.550(103)(b)(i).] The Legislature amended the definitional language in 1990 to define "handicap.”

Koester v. City of Novi, 580 N.W.2d 835 (Mich. 1998).

Downey v. Charlevoix Cnty. Bd., 576 N.W.2d 712 (Mich. Ct. App. 1998).

Stevens v. Inland Waters, Inc, 559 N.W.2d 61 (Mich. Ct. App. 1997).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103(e)(1)(A) — 1 case

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103(e)(i) — 4 cases

Lamoria v. Health Care & Ret. Corp., 584 N.W.2d 589 (Mich. Ct. App. 1998).

Rollert v. Dep't of Civil Serv., 579 N.W.2d 118 (Mich. Ct. App. 1998).

Gazette v. City of Pontiac, 536 N.W.2d 854 (Mich. Ct. App. 1995).

Cebreco v. Music Hall Ctr. for the Performing Arts, Inc, 555 N.W.2d 862 (Mich. Ct. App. 1996).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103(e)(i)(A) — 14 cases

Mccormick v. Carrier, 795 N.W.2d 517 (Mich. 2010). “” MCL 37.1103(e)(i)(A). Then-Justice KELLY, joined by Justice CAVANAGH, stated in dissent: where the majority wishes to do so.”

Chmielewski v. Xermac, Inc, 580 N.W.2d 817 (Mich. 1998). “[MCL 37.1103(b)(i); MSA 3.550(103)(b)(i).] The Legislature amended the definitional language in 1990 to define "handicap.”

Chmielewski v. Xermac, Inc, 550 N.W.2d 797 (Mich. Ct. App. 1996). “§ 37.1103(b)(i); M.S.A. § 3.550(103)(b)(i).”

Collins v. Blue Cross Blue Shield, 579 N.W.2d 435 (Mich. Ct. App. 1998).

Fritz v. Mascotech Auto. Sys. Grp., Inc., 914 F. Supp. 1481 (E.D. Mich. 1996).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103(e)(i)(B) — 2 cases

Cebreco v. Music Hall Ctr. for the Performing Arts, Inc, 555 N.W.2d 862 (Mich. Ct. App. 1996).

Otis Holt v. City of Detroit (Mich. Ct. App. 2021).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103(e)(i)(a) — 1 case

Guerra v. Garratt, 564 N.W.2d 121 (Mich. Ct. App. 1997).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103(f)(ii) — 5 cases

Chmielewski v. Xermac, Inc, 580 N.W.2d 817 (Mich. 1998). “[MCL 37.1103(b)(i); MSA 3.550(103)(b)(i).] The Legislature amended the definitional language in 1990 to define "handicap.”

Chmielewski v. Xermac, Inc, 550 N.W.2d 797 (Mich. Ct. App. 1996). “§ 37.1103(b)(i); M.S.A. § 3.550(103)(b)(i).”

Adkerson v. MK-Ferguson Co., 477 N.W.2d 465 (Mich. Ct. App. 1991).

Stevens v. Inland Waters, Inc, 559 N.W.2d 61 (Mich. Ct. App. 1997).

Cole v. West Side Auto Employees Fed. Credit Union, 583 N.W.2d 226 (Mich. Ct. App. 1998).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103(g) — 9 cases

in Re Bradley Est., 835 N.W.2d 545 (Mich. 2013). “2202 (defining “employer” to expressly include state actors who are in turn liable for certain discriminatory conduct); and the Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act, MCL 37.1103(g), MCL 37.1201(b), and MCL 37.”

Lash v. City of Traverse City, 735 N.W.2d 628 (Mich. 2007). “2202(1)(a); as well as the Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act, MCL 37.1103(g), MCL 37.1201(b), and MCL 37.”

Moses, Inc v. Se. Michigan Council of Governments, 716 N.W.2d 278 (Mich. Ct. App. 2006).

Hall v. Hackley Hosp., 532 N.W.2d 893 (Mich. Ct. App. 1995).

Beth Bauer v. Cnty. of Saginaw (Mich. Ct. App. 2020).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103(h) — 1 case

Patricia Tyler v. Kalamazoo Pub. Schs. (Mich. Ct. App. 2024).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103(l) — 8 cases

Sanchez v. Lagoudakis, 486 N.W.2d 657 (Mich. 1992).

John Lacaria Jr v. Aurora Borealis Motor Inn Inc (Mich. Ct. App. 2016).

Tenita Webb-Eaton v. Wayne Cnty. Cmty. Coll. Dist. (Mich. Ct. App. 2017).

Nancy Boss v. Dep't of Health & Human Servs. (Mich. Ct. App. 2018).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103(l)(i) — 12 cases

Hall v. Hackley Hosp., 532 N.W.2d 893 (Mich. Ct. App. 1995).

Lamoria v. Health Care & Ret. Corp., 584 N.W.2d 589 (Mich. Ct. App. 1998).

Szymczak v. Am. Seating Co., 514 N.W.2d 251 (Mich. Ct. App. 1994).

Tenita Webb-Eaton v. Wayne Cnty. Cmty. Coll. Dist. (Mich. Ct. App. 2017).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103(l)(ii) — 3 cases

Sherrine L McNeal v. Dortch Enter. LLC (Mich. Ct. App. 2019).

Brandon Baker v. Cosmetic Car Co. Holding Inc (Mich. Ct. App. 2022).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 37.1103(l)(iii) — 4 cases

Tenita Webb-Eaton v. Wayne Cnty. Cmty. Coll. Dist. (Mich. Ct. App. 2017).

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