In the Capitol

The Michigan Legislature is currently recessed for the summer. The Senate will reconvene at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 16th.
View the 2003 Senate Schedule

The House of Representatives will hold its next session at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 23rd.
View the 2003 House or Representatives Schedule

In the Hall of Justice

The Michigan Supreme Court will hold an administrative public hearing on Thursday, September 25, 2003, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Supreme Court courtroom located on the sixth floor of the Michigan Hall of Justice, 925 W. Ottawa Street, Lansing, Michigan 48915.

Reducing Appellate Delay
As part of its appellate delay reduction program, the Court of Appeals has advocated amendments to MCR 7.212 which would eliminate extensions by stipulation, and reduce briefing time.  Chief Judge Whitbeck estimates that the proposed changes will reduce the average time a case spends in the "intake" phase of case processing by 54 days.

Despite its general support for the appellate delay reduction program and acclamation for its successes to date, the State Bar opposes the amendments to MCR 7.212.  The State Bar believes that the proposed changes would jeopardize the quality of appellate briefing and service to clients while failing to achieve the intended effect of shortening case processing times overall. 

A special committee of the State Bar has been working with Chief Judge Whitbeck and his staff throughout the summer to develop an alternative approach to the 7.212 proposal.  Although a consensus proposal has not been arrived at, the State Bar and the Chief Judge remain committed to working together to develop effective ways to reduce delay.

The proposed rule changes will be considered on the agenda of the administrative public hearing September  25 in the Hall of Justice.   See above for time, place, and directions.

MCR 7.212 Proposal and Comments Submitted to the Michigan Supreme Court

At the Bar

The 68th Annual Meeting of the State Bar will take place in Lansing September 11- 12.

Board of Commissioners Meeting Agenda, September 11, 2003

Board of Commissioners Meeting Agenda, September 12, 2003

Public Policy, Image & Identity Meeting Agenda

Sections & Committees  

The Negligence Section adopted a position of support of HB 4931 (Insurance; no-fault;  provide explanation of liability, uninsured, and underinsured coverages.)

Federal News

FTC Ruling Applying Gramm-Leach-Bliley Privacy Provisions to Attorneys Rejected by Federal District Court
Full Text

State News

This category will summarize any statewide public policy news of the past week of particular interest to subscribers.

Court Rules and Administrative Orders

This category will update subscribers on newly published proposals, and on new positions taken by the State Bar or its sections.

From the Michigan Supreme Court:

• View rule amendments
• View administrative orders
• View proposed amendments
• View other actions

Legislation Introduced 8/31 - 9/6

Due to the Michigan Legislature's summer break, no new legislation has been introduced.

Links of Interest

Public Policy Resource Center | Michigan Supreme Court | Michigan Legislature | MCL Search Engines