FOUR STATE BAR-BACKED LAWS SIGNED INTO LAW 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 The laws address issues ranging from criminal sentencing reform to modernizing outdated legal procedures.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
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
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
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 the governor’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.
ABA HOUSE OF DELEGATES
SBM DELEGATE VACANCY
The State Bar Board of Commissioners is seeking names of people interested in filling the following vacancy:
ABA House of Delegates State Bar Delegate
One vacancy for a two-year term beginning at the close of the ABA Annual Meeting in August 2025.
The ABA House of Delegates has the ultimate responsibility for establishing policy both as to the administration of the association and its positions on professional and public issues. The House elects officers of the association and members of the board of governors; it elects members of the Committee on Scope and Correlation of Work; it has the sole authority to amend the association’s bylaws; and it may amend the constitution. It authorizes committees and sections of the association and discontinues them. It sets association dues upon the recommendation of the board of governors.
Deadline for response is Monday, April 7, 2025.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
Those applying for an agency appointment should submit a résumé and a letter outlining interest in the ABA, current position in the ABA, work on ABA committees and sections, accomplishments, and contributions to the State Bar and the ABA. Applications should be emailed to the SBM secretary in care of Marge Bossenbery at mbossenbery@michbar.org.