- Whitmer Signs Election Recount Bills into Law
On July 8, 2024, Gov. Whitmer signed Michigan Senate bills 603 and 604 into law, which modify the requirements for conducting ballot recounts and prosecuting election-related crimes. For example, boards of canvassers will now be required to refer any allegations of fraud to the relevant county prosecutor, rather than conducting a recount.
Why it Matters: The new laws are effective immediately and will apply to upcoming August primary races.
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- Michigan Cannabis Sales Through Six Months of 2024 Eclipses $1.6 Billion
Through the first six months of sales in 2024, Michigan cannabis sales have totaled $1,629,691,997.67, an increase from 2023’s six month totals, which equal $1,426,137,854.75.
Why it Matters: Marijuana sales remain strong in Michigan, particularly for recreational use. However, there still are significant concerns about profitability and market oversaturation that the industry is contending with.
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- Michigan CRA Publishes June ’24 Data: Average Price Decreases
Per data released by the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA), the average retail price for adult-use sale of an ounce of cannabis in June was $85.88, a decrease from $88.15 in May. This is a decrease from June 2023, where the average price was $89.27.
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.
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- Proposed Michigan Legislation to Attract Data Centers Is Frozen After Pushback from Environmental Groups
Proposed legislation to expand tax incentives aimed at attracting large data centers to Michigan is stopped for now after pushback from environmental groups that claim the bills would increase energy demands, potentially causing consumer rates to increase, while standing in the way of Michigan achieving its clean energy goals.
Why it Matters: While the bills are halted for now, it is anticipated that supporters of the legislation will continue to push for the bills to pass. The bills would create a new sales and use tax exemption for “enterprise data centers.”
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- A Health Professional’s Guide to Navigating the Disciplinary Process: What to Expect if You Are Facing a Professional Licensing Investigation or Administrative Complaint
Health professionals are committed to caring for patients with expertise, compassion, and integrity. However, in the heavily regulated healthcare field, those professionals can sometimes find themselves navigating not just the medical challenges of their patients but licensing issues of their own as well. Licensing issues can arise unexpectedly, and, when they do, they can cause tremendous stress and uncertainty.
Why it Matters: As an attorney with years of experience handling professional licensing matters for health professionals, Robert J. Andretz has witnessed firsthand how professional licensing investigations and Administrative Complaints can disrupt health professionals’ careers and their ability to provide patient care. He will explore how to navigate the disciplinary process in Michigan so that you can know what to expect if you are ever faced with a threat to your license. Learn more.
Related Practice Groups and Professionals
Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher
Professional Licensing | Robert Andretz