- The Effective Date of the Repeal of Michigan’s Right-to-Work Law Will be Sooner Than Expected
The Michigan legislature repealed the state’s right-to-work law earlier this year. The law provided that employees in Michigan could not be forced by union contracts to join or financially support any labor organization as a condition of employment. The effective date of the repeal was anticipated to be March 30, 2024, however it will now likely be effective on February 13, 2024.
Why it Matters: The effective date of the repeal is tied to the end of the Michigan legislature’s legislative session. Because the legislature ended its legislative session early this year, on November 14, 2023, the effective date will come sooner than anticipated.
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- CRA Publishes November 2023 Data: Average Price Decreases
Per data released by the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA), the average retail price for adult-use sales of an ounce of cannabis in October was $97.51, a very minimal decrease from $97.62 in October. For the first time, this is an increase to the average price when compared to the year prior, when in November 2022, the average price was $95.12.
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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- Qualified Michigan Residents Set to Receive Checks From EITC
It was announced earlier this week that qualified Michigan residents under the state’s expanded Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program should start to expect to receive their checks in the mail starting February 13, 2024. It is estimated it will take up to six weeks to distribute payments.
Why it Matters: As we covered earlier this year, the Michigan legislature had passed a bill, which Governor Whitmer signed into law, expanding the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The law retroactively increased the state’s EITC to 30% of the federal credit, where it is estimated to impact over 700,000 low-income workers. Families should receive on average $550.
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- Governor Whitmer Signs Bills Permitting State and Tribal Businesses to Engage in Commerce with Each Other
The landscape of the cannabis industry in Michigan continues to evolve as new legislative efforts in Michigan aim to bridge the operational divide between state-licensed cannabis enterprises and tribal cannabis businesses. Two pivotal bills, Senate Bill 179 and Senate Bill 180, were signed by Governor Whitmer on October 19, 2023, creating a collaborative business environment for these formerly siloed entities.
Why it Matters: Prior to the legislation being enacted, state-licensed and tribal cannabis operations in Michigan functioned independently, restrained from mutual commerce and collaboration, including prohibitions on cannabis products being sold between these businesses. The new legislation allows these two distinct parts of the cannabis industry to interact.
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- Patentable vs. Infringing: What’s the Difference?
The patent system is intended to spur innovation, incentivize inventors, and protect against infringement. One of the big challenges innovators face in this realm is understanding patentability and what constitutes infringement.
Why it Matters: The distinction between what is patentable and what is infringing is defined by the scope of the patent claims. For instance, a new invention that improves upon a patented product may still be patentable even though the envisioned product itself may infringe on the patented claims. On the other hand, a product that is not patentable may also infringe granted patents. Learn more from your Fraser Trebilcock attorney.
Related Practice Groups and Professionals
Labor, Employment & Civil Rights | David Houston
Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher
Intellectual Property | Andrew Martin
