Four State Bar-Backed Laws Go into Effect in Michigan

Four bills supported by the State Bar of Michigan were recently signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The laws address issues ranging from criminal sentencing reform to modernizing outdated legal procedures.

Here’s a look at the new laws and what they mean for Michiganders:

Michigan Sentencing Commission – HB 4173 and HB 4384

House Bills 4173 and 4384 collectively reestablish the Michigan Sentencing Commission and define its responsibilities, which will include analyzing sentencing guidelines and making recommendations to the Legislature to promote consistency and fairness in Michigan’s criminal justice system. Michigan has not had a sentencing commission in more than a decade.

Court of Appeals Bar Admission Jurisdiction – HB 5204

Public Act 217 of 2024, formerly House Bill 5204, expands the jurisdiction of the Michigan Court of Appeals to include admitting individuals who meet the qualifications for membership in the State Bar of Michigan.

Name Change Petitions – HB 5300

Public Act 229 of 2024, previously House Bill 5300, updates the Probate Code’s provisions related to name change proceedings. Among other things, the bill implements an earlier SBM recommendation that good cause for nonpublication is presumed when the petitioner is a victim of an assaultive crime, domestic violence, harassment, human trafficking, stalking, or is seeking to affirm their gender identity.

Two other high-profile bills fell just short of making it to Whitmer’s desk although they passed in both the House and the Senate with strong bipartisan support. Because of small amendments, both the Judicial Protection Act and the final juvenile justice bill (which would have authorized the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission to develop and implement minimum standards for juvenile indigent defense) needed concurrence votes in the House that didn’t occur.

Both bills remain legislative priorities in the new legislative session, which began earlier this month. To learn more about the State Bar of Michigan’s public policy positions, sign up for a weekly email update here.

Posted: January 29, 2025