Please note: Next week’s Public Policy Update will be published on Tuesday, September 6 due to the holiday. Any interim questions can be directed to elyon@mail.michbar.org.

In the Capitol
The Michigan House of Representatives and Senate have adjourned formal session until September 7.
House Session Schedule
Senate Session Schedule

Complete Committee Meeting List

New Public Acts

Legislation Introduced 8/24
View All Bills Introduced 8/24
Of Interest to the Legal Community
HB 4881 Courts; probate court; provisions regarding the election of a state presiding probate judge; eliminate. Repeals secs. 819 & 824 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.819 & 600.824).

HB 4883 Family law; paternity; reimbursement of confinement expenses; modify under certain circumstances. Amends sec. 2 of 1956 PA 205 (MCL 722.712).

Federal News
34 Years Later, Supreme Court Will Revisit Eyewitness IDs
(New York Times, 8/22/11)
See Also:
Police Lineups Start to Face Fact: Eyes Can Lie
(New York Times, 8/28/11)

State News
Court Rules Michigan Can’t Deduct 3% From State Workers’ Pay
(Lansing State Journal, 8/27/11)

Michigan Appeals Court Says Medical Marijuana Can’t Be Sold at Dispensaries
(Detroit Free Press, 8/24/11)

At the Bar
Judicial Vacancy—3rd Circuit Court, Wayne County
Hon. Mary Beth Kelly has vacated her seat at 3rd Circuit Court, Wayne County. State Bar members interested in applying for the judgeship should submit an application by September 16, 2011.
View Information

The State Bar of Michigan’s Public Policy, Image, and Identity Committee and Board of Commissioners will meet Wednesday, September 7. For more information, please contact elyon@mail.michbar.org.

Sections and Committees
The Animal Law Section submitted public policy position reports on the following items:
Oppose: HB 4714 Animals; dogs; ownership, possession, breeding, and sale of pit bulls; regulate, and prohibit after a certain period of time. Creates new act.

Support: SB 356 Crimes; animals; forfeiture of real property used in the commission of animal fighting; allow. Amends sec. 4702 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.4702).

Support: SB 357 Civil procedure; civil actions; property on which animal fighting is conducted; declare to be a nuisance. Amends sec. 3801 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.3801).

Support: SB 358 Crimes; animals; racketeering statute; include animal fighting as predicate offense. Amends sec. 159g of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.159g).

Support: SB 423 Animals; other; methods of use for euthanizing animals; clarify. Amends 1969 PA 287 (MCL 287.331 - 287.340) by adding sec. 8b.

Support: SB 424 Animals; other; euthanizing dogs and cats by class B dealers registered with the department of agriculture; require use of certain commercially prepared solution. Amends 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.1101 - 333.25211) by adding sec. 7333b.

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