- Sixth Circuit Rules that Notice is Required to Terminate Contract for Successive Performances
Under Section 440.2309(2) of Michigan’s Uniform Commercial Code, a contract that “provides for successive performances but is indefinite in duration” may be terminated at any time (without cause). However, as a U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit decision points out, reasonable notice of such termination must be provided, unless the requirement of notice is waived via the contract.
Why it Matters: The court’s ruling in the case of Stackpole International Engineered Products v. Angstrom Automotive Group is a reminder for buyers and sellers, especially in the manufacturing industry, who enter into contracts that provide for successive performances to work with experienced legal counsel in the drafting, review and enforcement of commercial contracts in order to avoid contractual disputes and litigation.
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- Michigan Election Results: Governor’s Race, State House and Senate
In the hotly contested governor’s race, Democrat Gretchen Whitmer defeated Republican challenger Tudor Dixon and will continue to serve as Michigan’s Governor for the next 4 years. And, both the State House and Senate flipped to Democratic control.
Why it Matters: This is the first time since 1984 that the Governor’s Office, State House and Senate are all controlled by Democrats. As officials look towards new leadership in certain areas, Fraser Trebilcock’s election law team will continue to monitor and report on any significant changes happening in Lansing.
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- Municipalities Vote on Marijuana
While adult-use recreational marijuana passed the ballot in 2018, each individual municipality has the control to allow adult-use recreational marijuana businesses to operate in their community. This election cycle saw numerous municipalities vote on this issue.
Why it Matters: According to data provided by the CRA prior to the November election, less than 10% of all municipalities in the state had opted in for adult-use recreational marijuana businesses. Following election results showing that more municipalities are allowing for adult-use recreational businesses to operate in their town, the issues that have plagued current license owners arise again for officials to handle.
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- Passed – Prop 1: Term Limits and Financial Requirements
Following the November 8, 2022 election results, Prop 1, which proposed changes to term limits for state legislators and required elected officials to disclose financial information, passed.
Why it Matters: As we covered in an earlier newsletter, this development will permit lawmakers to serve 12 years in Lansing, and all of that time can be spent in the House or Senate, or it could be divided between the two chambers. Additionally, elected officials would have to disclose their assets, income and liabilities, and their involvement in any businesses, nonprofits, labor organizations or educational institutions.
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- Controversial Landlord-Tenant Rules Proposed by State Court Administrative Office
The State Court Administrative Office unveiled proposed changes to Michigan Court Rule 4.201, that if enacted, would alter the way eviction cases are handled for both landlords and tenants. Some of the proposed amendments are the ability for tenants to get an automatic stay if they have applied for rental aid, and a requirement that tenants be served in person if a landlord wants an immediate default judgement.
Why it Matters: If enacted, these rules would allow commercial and residential tenants more time to pay their landlords if they fall behind on payments. However, some are against the new proposed rules as they believe it would increase the difficulty for landlords to evict non-paying tenants, and make the process of finding new tenants more difficult.
Related Practice Groups and Professionals
Labor, Employment & Civil Rights | Aaron Davis
Election Law | Garett Koger
Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher
Real Estate | Jared Roberts