November 4, 2024
Volume 22, Issue 41

At the Capitol

Recent Legislative Action:
Summary of legislative action on all bills that the State Bar or sections of the State Bar have taken positions.
HB 5046 (Revised Judicature Act Of 1961, Fees For Transcripts) was reported out of Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary & Public Safety without amendment on 10/31.
SBM Position on HB 5046: Neutral.
Negligence Law Section Position on HB 5046: Support.

HB 5724 (A Bill To Protect The Safety Of Judges And Certain Other Individuals) Substitute S-3 was reported out of the Senate Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary & Public Safety on 10/24.
SBM Position on HB 5724: Support.
Family Law Section on HB 5724: Support.

SB 809 (A Bill To Enact The Uniform Premarital And Marital Agreements Act) was reported out of Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary & Public Safety without amendment on 10/31.
Family Law Section Position on SB 809: Support.
Probate & Estate Planning Section Position on SB 809: Oppose.

SB 936 (Revised Judicature Act Of 1961, Prohibited Conduct Of Court Reporter, Court Recorder, Stenomask Reporter, Or Owner Of Firm) was reported out of Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary & Public Safety without amendment on 10/31.
SBM Position on SB 936: Support.

At the Court

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING
The Michigan Supreme Court will hold a public administrative hearing on November 20, 2024, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The agenda is available here.

DECLINED TO ADOPT
ADM File No. 2017-29: Proposed Amendment of MRPC 4.4
Issued: 10/23/24
Effective: Immediately

RULE AMENDMENTS
ADM File No. 2023-32: Amendment of AO 2023-2
Issued: 10/30/24
Effective: Immediately

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS
ADM File No. 2024-03: Proposed Amendment of MCR 2.003
The proposed amendment of MCR 2.003 would clarify the assignment procedures when a business court judge has been disqualified from a case.
Issued: 10/23/24
Comment Period Expires: 2/1/25

ADM File No. 2022-08: Proposed Amendment of MCR 7.206
The proposed amendment of MCR 7.206 would require the Court of Appeals to engage in certain procedures if it receives a county reapportionment challenge.
Issued: 10/30/24
Comment Period Expires: 2/1/25

ADM File No. 2022-23: Proposed Amendment of MCR 7.306
The proposed amendment of MCR 7.306 would facilitate factual development in statewide redistricting cases.
Issued: 10/30/24
Comment Period Expires: 2/1/25

ADM File No. 2022-48: Proposed Amendment of MCJC 3
The proposed amendment of MCJC 3 would allow a judge to make reasonable efforts to facilitate the ability of all litigants to be fairly heard.
Issued: 10/30/24
Comment Period Expires: 2/1/25

NEWS
Supreme Court Announces November Oral Argument Schedule

Michigan Problem-Solving Courts Granted Nearly $19 Million

At the Bar

November 22 Board of Commissioners Public Policy Agenda
The SBM Board of Commissioners will be considering several public policy items at its November 22 meeting. The public policy agenda can be reviewed online. Members of the State Bar are invited to submit comments to the Board of Commissioners on any of the items on the agenda. All comments received before the meeting will be shared with the Board.

NEWS
Fastcase to transition to new platform
The legal research tool Fastcase — offered as a free benefit to all members of the State Bar of Michigan — is transitioning to a new platform this month.

Michigan prisons institute new requirements for legal mail
The Michigan Department of Corrections is instituting a new mail policy that will directly impact attorneys.

License Renewal Deadline is November 30
The deadline for Michigan attorneys to complete their annual license is Saturday, November 30, 2024.

Save the Date for the 2025 Great Lakes Legal Conference
Mark your calendars: The Great Lakes Legal Conference will return to Mackinac Island on June 13-14, 2025.

State Bar of Michigan wins National Recognition
The State Bar of Michigan won a 2024 Luminary Award from NABE-The Association for Bar Professionals for their development of "brand to-go kits" for in-person events.

Links of Interest

SBM Public Policy Resource Center
Public Acts
Michigan Supreme Court
Michigan Legislature
MCL Search Engines