New Law Gives Townships Option to Change Names Through Vote

A new law signed into effect recently by Gov. Whitmer gives Michigan townships the option to change their name through a vote of the people. Previously, only cities and villages in Michigan had the same authority. Under Public Act 97 of 2021, a towns…
Categories: Municipal
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Changes in Law Lift Driver's License Suspensions for Thousands

If it seems as if traffic has increased, it may be because driving restrictions were lifted on several thousand Michigan drivers due to a law that went into effect last month. The law amends the Michigan Vehicle Code to remove certain provisions that…
Categories: Municipal
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New Law Allows for Cameras on School Busses

Due to a new Michigan law, it is now easier to ticket drivers who pass a stopped school bus that is displaying red flashing lights. A new law amends the Michigan Vehicle Code to allow a school bus to be equipped with a stop-arm camera system. A photo…
Categories: Municipal
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Some Michigan Communities Adopt Social Districts

Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently signed legislation that allows for municipalities to create social districts. A social district is a public area designated by a municipality where licensed businesses can sell alcoholic beverages to be enjoyed by c…
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Free Speech Questioned in Supreme Court Case Involving Angry Teen and School District

In a case that questioned if a public high school student’s First Amendment Rights were violated, the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of a Pennsylvania teen who used social media to express her anger with her high school and two of its s…
Categories: Municipal
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Two Bills Aim to Limit a Community's Ability to Regulate Zoning of Short-Term Rentals, Such as Airbnb

According to TripAdvisor, 67 percent of Americans are traveling this summer, with many of them considering a stay in short-term rental properties such as those found on Airbnb and VRBO. With the increase in travel demand, more residents may seek to l…
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Amended Law Provides for Reduced Penalties for Noncertified School Staff

School districts whose employees do not comply with state certification and credentialing requirements for teaching, counseling, or serving as a substitute teacher face lesser penalties due to a newer law. Last month, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed SB…
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Law Provides Rental Property Owners More Flexibility When Transferring Ownership

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently signed Michigan Senate Bill 16 into law, which reforms the Housing Law of Michigan to provide that transfer of rental property between two entities under common ownership or control is not a change of ownership unless t…
Categories: Business, Municipal
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O’Reilly Rancilio Attorneys Offer Guidance on 2021 Reform Legislation

Late last year, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed dozens of criminal justice reform bills into law with the intent of widening jail alternatives and removing obstacles after incarceration. The sweeping reform affects the way people interact with…
Categories: Municipal
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Read all of the Return to School Safe Start Plans for Macomb County Schools

Macomb County school districts have adopted their Return to Learn School Plans for the 2020-2021 school year, which begins this week for some and next week for many others. Below are the plans for the Macomb County school districts. Anchor Bay – wi…
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