FOCUS: A Bill to Create the Michigan Public Defense Act
On December 10, 2009, Representatives Bob Constan and Justin Amash introduced House Bill 5676, a bill to create a new Michigan Public Defense Act. The bill addresses the 11 principles of an effective public defense system advocated by the State Bar. The House Judiciary Committee will hear testimony on the bill during a hearing on December 14 at the Student Ballroom Center at Wayne State University.
See Also:
Federal and State Officials Converge to Examine Michigan’s Public Defense System

Do you have comment on the bill?

In the Capitol
The Michigan House of Representatives will hold session on December 15-17 starting at 10:00 am. The Michigan Senate will hold session on Dec. 17 starting at 10:00 am.
House Session Schedule
Senate Session Schedule

Committee meetings of interest for the week of December 14
12/14 House Judiciary
Agenda: HB 4314 Require appointment of attorney to represent a juvenile in certain proceedings; HB 5676 Create Michigan public defense act; and any other business properly before this committee.
State Bar Position on HB 4314: Support
State Bar Position on HB 5676: The State Bar of Michigan principally supports HB 5676 as legislation that achieves the 11 principles of an effective public defense system.

Complete Committee Meeting List

New Public Acts

Legislation Introduced 12/8 – 12/10
Of Interest to the Legal Community
HB 5661 Crime victims; other; assessments against certain criminal defendants and juvenile offenders; increase. Amends sec. 5 of 1989 PA 196 (MCL 780.905).

HB 5666 Crime victims; other; allocation of excess revenue in crime victim's rights fund; modify. Amends sec. 4 of 1989 PA 196 (MCL 780.904).

HB 5667 Crime victims; compensation; amount of awards; increase. Amends sec. 11 of 1976 PA 223 (MCL 18.361).

HB 5669 Probate; powers of attorney; reference to powers of attorney in natural resources and environmental protection act; revise to reflect adoption of uniform power of attorney act. Amends sec. 20101b of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.20101b).

HB 5670 Probate; powers of attorney; reference to powers of attorney in public health code; revise to reflect adoption of uniform power of attorney act. Amends sec. 10121 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.10121).

HB 5676 Criminal procedure; defenses; Michigan public defense act; create. Creates new act & repeals 1978 PA 620 (MCL 780.11 - 780.719).

Of General Interest
HB 5688 Retirement; public school employees; public employee health benefit system; require to harmonize with the Michigan health benefits program act.

HB 5689 Retirement; state police; public employee health benefit system; require to harmonize with the Michigan health benefits program act.

HB 5690 Retirement; municipal employees; public employee health benefit system; require to harmonize with municipal retirees.

HB 5691 Retirement; judges; public employee health benefit system; require to harmonize with the Michigan health benefits program act.

HB 5692 Retirement; other; public employee health benefit system; require to harmonize with city library retirees.

HB 5693 Retirement; other; public employee health benefit system; require to harmonize with municipal police and firefighter retirees.

HB 5694 Retirement; legislative; public employee health benefit system; require to harmonize with legislative retirees.

HB 5695 Retirement; state employees; public employee health benefit system; require to harmonize with Michigan health benefits program act.

HB 5696 Retirement; other; public employee health benefit system; require to harmonize with optional retirement act retirees.

HB 5697 Retirement; county employees; public employee health benefit system; require to harmonize with county retirees.

In the Hall of Justice
Proposed Rule Aimed at Safeguarding Client Funds was on Agenda for Michigan Supreme Court's Public Administrative Conference Last Week

Faith-Based School's Constitutional Claim at Issue in Case Michigan Supreme Court Heard Last Week

Appointments
2009-01 - Appointment of Chief Judge Macomb County Probate Court

At the Bar
ABA Techshow Takes Place March 25-27

The December 2009 issue of the Michigan Bar Journal is now available online at www.michbar.org/journal.

Federal News
Many See the VAT Option as a Cure for Deficits
(New York Times, 12/10/09)

State News
Granholm to Sign Bill that Will Clear the Air in Public
(Detroit Free Press, 12/11/09)

Gov. Granholm Gives Budget Cut Reprieve to Michigan Schools
(Detroit News, 12/11/09)

Budget Deadline, Term Limits on Table
(Livingston Daily.com, 12/10/09)

Michigan Lawmakers’ Budget Talks Edge Toward Holiday Break
(Detroit News, 12/10/09)

Senate GOP’s Plan to Fix State Budget Stirs Debate
(Detroit News, 12/09/09)

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