We
apologize that the Public Policy Update was not
sent at its regularly scheduled time.
FOCUS:
Michigan Chamber of Commerce Study Released
On June 7, the Michigan Chamber announced the release of a study
completed by the Michigan Chamber Foundation regarding the need for legal
reform. The report calls for four major reforms: limit contingency fees;
provide incentives to settle lawsuits; enact ‘loser pay’ law;
and provide for sanctions for frivolous claims.
Press
Release
Study: Legal
Reform in Michigan: Past, Present & Future
The State Bar of
Michigan has historically opposed some of the reforms sought by the
Chamber because they could decrease to access to justice and have a
possible chilling effect to bring meritorious claims.
What
is your reaction?
In
the Capitol
Committee
meetings of interest for the week of 6/11
6/13
House Judiciary
Agenda: HB
4550 Revise sentencing guidelines for certain crimes involving animal
abuse to reflect increased penalties; HB
4551 Provide for increased penalties under certain circumstances
for abuse of animals; HB
4552 Revise penalties for animal cruelty to allow consecutive sentencing; HB
4650 Create uniform foreign-country money judgments recognition act; SB
386 Expand provisions in criminal sexual conduct statutes relating
to teachers and other school employees to include volunteers, employees,
and contractual service providers; SB
155 Enact crime of child care center or day care center employee
failing to self-report certain felony charges.
6/13
House Families and Children's Services
Agenda item of interest: HB
4736 Expand procedure for placement of children in a foster home
to give special consideration to individuals of same religious background.
Family Law
Section Position: Oppose
6/13
House Appropriations
Agenda item of interest: HB
4861 Revise fees to court of appeals.
Complete
Committee Meeting List
New
Public Acts
Legislation
Introduced 6/5 – 6/7
Of
General Interest
HJR
O Legislature; legislators; reduction of pay for legislators
who miss session without a valid excuse; provide for. Amends the state
constitution by adding sec. 55 to art. IV. |
At
The Bar
50-Year
Golden Celebration
Class
Action Award Directed to Access to Justice Fund
SBM
Young Lawyers Section to Host June 21 Panel Discussion on Managing
Student Debt
In
the Hall of Justice
Other
Actions
2007-01
- Supreme Court Appointments to the Child Support Leadership Council
Issued: June
7, 2007
Federal
News
Ruling
Likely to Spur Convictions in Capital Cases
(New York Times, 6/9/07)
State
News
Lawmakers
Fear Making Job 'Part Time'
(The Saginaw News,
6/8/07)
See Related:
Granholm
Supports Part-Time Legislature
(Lansing State Journal,
6/5/07)
Part-Time
Lawmaking Fizzles
(Detroit Free Press,
6/6/07)
Granholm
Declines to Delay Naming Judges
(Detroit Free Press,
6/6/07)
State
Lawmakers Eye Liquor Tax to Cover Shortfall
(Grand Rapids Press,
6/6/07) |
