- Changes to Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act
Employers should be aware of recent actions taken by the Michigan legislature with respect to Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA). Governor Whitmer recently signed into law an amendment that extends the ELCRA’s prohibitions against discrimination to individuals who have terminated a pregnancy. On June 8, 2023, the Michigan House of Representatives voted to pass, which amends the definition of race within ELCRA to ban discrimination based on hair and other traits associated with racial or ethnic identity. Governor Whitmer is expected to sign this bill into law.
Why it Matters: Lawmakers who introduced the bills argue that the legislation will increase access to support services for domestic and sexual violence victims, and also will protect their privacy and shielding them from additional harassment.
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- CRA Publishes May 2023 Data, Average Price Hovers
Per data released by the Cannabis Regulatory Agency, the average retail price for adult-use sales of an ounce of cannabis is $90.64, a small increase from $87.76 in April. This is still a large decrease from May 2022, where the average price was $130.62.
Why it Matters: While the prices of cannabis and cannabis-related products continue to decrease and make consumers happy, growers on the other hand are seeing profits decrease resulting in them seeking ways to halt new licenses to be granted in an effort to steady prices. Contact our cannabis law attorneys if you have any questions.
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- Fraser Trebilcock Attorney Obtains Dismissal for Firm Client
Fraser Trebilcock attorney Jared Roberts recently obtained a dismissal in a circuit court case brought against a brokerage and salesperson.
Why it Matters: In this case, which involved interpretation of transaction documents, a county “Time of Sale” well and septic inspection ordinance and water quality issues, Mr. Roberts obtained dismissal in the first responsive document. Learn more about their practice and how they may be able to assist.
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- Detroit Mayor Unveils Land Value Tax Plan
At the Mackinac Policy Conference in May, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced a proposal, called the Land Value Tax Plan, that if passed, would change property taxes while encouraging economic growth across Detroit.
Why it Matters: According to the plan laid out online, if enacted, would replace certain tax rates for homes and property structures with a higher rate of tax on land, with the purpose of targeting unused, unproductive, or vacant land while providing benefits to homeowners and businesses.
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- CRA Revokes License for Marijuana Business for Illicit Products
The Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency announced on June 15 that it was revoking the license for marijuana business Candid Labs, which operates as Layercake Farms 2, after they were found to have illicit and unlicensed marijuana, in addition to other license violations including an inoperable video surveillance system.
Why it Matters: A requirement that every marijuana business must adhere to is properly working video surveillance system that is in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at all licensee locations. Failure to comply will result in fines, possible license suspension and/or license being revoked. Contact our cannabis law attorneys if you have any questions.
Related Practice Groups and Professionals
Labor, Employment & Civil Rights | Dave Houston
Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher
Real Estate | Jared Roberts