October 12, 2026
Volume 24, Issue 38

In the Capitol

10/14 Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary & Public Safety, 9:30 a.m. MORE
HB 5452 (Lightner) Criminal procedure: sentencing; sunset on certain costs that may be imposed upon criminal conviction; modify.
SBM Position on HB 5452: Oppose HB 5452 and any legislation that would extend the Sec. 1k(1)(b)(iii) sunset on the statutory authorization to impose court costs on criminal defendants for longer than one year.
HB 4840 (Lightner) Courts: business court; types of cases heard by the business court; revise.
SBM Position on HB 4840: Support.
Business Law Section Position on HB 4840: Support.

Complete Committee Meeting List

At the Bar

NEWS
MiFILE training opportunity scheduled for November 6
Judicial Information Services will host MiFile training 9 to11 a.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026, at the Hall of Justice, located at 925 W. Ottawa St. in Lansing.

Check for conflicts with new AI-guided intake
State Bar of Michigan members can now receive a 20% discount on Lexara Engage, an AI-guided client intake and conflict-checking platform designed for law firms.

October is Pro Bono Month in Michigan
Celebrate Pro Bono Month in October by participating in legal clinics, pro bono attorney training, law school pro bono pledges, award ceremonies, and other events.

U.S. Eastern District Proposed Amendments to Local Rules
On September 8, 2026, the Judges of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan approved the publication of proposed amendments to local rules.

Links of Interest

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