- House Bill Proposes to Establish a Version of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act in Michigan
The federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act seeks to stop unwanted telephone solicitation. Michigan House Bill 6307, the Michigan Telephone Solicitation Act (the “MTSA”), would enact similar restrictions on a state level.
Why it Matters: If enacted, Michigan would follow in the footsteps of other states, such as Florida, Oklahoma, and Washington, who have implemented similar protections for residents. The MTSA would exempt certain solicitation calls, such as those made with express authorization and those to existing customers. Violations, especially knowing violations and those impacting vulnerable individuals, would be subject to stiff civil penalties. The bill also proposes to establish a private cause of action for impacted individuals.
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- October 14 Deadline: Medicare Part D Notice of Creditable (or Non-Creditable) Coverage
The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 requires entities who offer prescription drug coverage to notify Medicare Part D eligible individuals whether their prescription coverage is creditable coverage. These notices of either creditable or non-creditable coverage are due for distribution prior to October 15 of each year.
Why it Matters: Failure to provide notice can result in a late enrollment penalty to those persons who go 63 days or longer without creditable coverage. Learn more here.
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- FDA Appoints Birenbaum as Senior Public Health Advisor on Cannabis Research and Regulatory Actions
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) recently hired Norman Birenbaum, former cannabis program director for the state of New York, to serve as its senior public health advisor on cannabis research and regulatory actions.
Why it Matters: The appointment of Norman Birenbaum signals a turn for cannabis and cannabis-based products on the federal level. He brings experience in policy analysis as a founding president of a national cannabis regulatory association, and is anticipated to expand the FDA’s relationship with the healthcare community and patient advocate groups, as they look to gather more data on cannabis.
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- General Motors Co. Reverses Return to Office Plan Following Backlash
Top executives from GM reportedly reversed course from last week’s reported plan to require salaried employees to return to company offices for at least three days a week, which would go into effect later this year.
Why it Matters: Following the outcry from employees who felt the plan was ushered in too quickly, executives have backed off the three-day in-office requirement this calendar year and instead continued to practice the “Work Appropriately” philosophy first adopted in 2020.
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- Michigan Car Insurance Rates Drop Nationally
With the introduction of new out-of-state car insurance companies into Michigan, the state has dropped from the nation’s top spot in cost of car insurance, to fourth. The 2019 auto insurance reform bill that passed is believed to be the major factor in reducing costs.
Why it Matters: Reduced costs for automobile owners is a positive sign for Michiganders. Elected officials are working towards providing consumers with a choice for their automobile insurance, which will help reduce costs for citizens.
Related Practice Groups and Professionals
Energy, Utilities & Telecommunication | Michael Ashton
Employee Benefits | Robert Burgee
Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher
Labor, Employment & Civil Rights | Aaron Davis
Insurance Law | Emily Vanderlaan