- Federal Government Sues to Block Michigan’s Climate Lawsuits Against Fossil Fuel Companies
The federal government has filed a preemptive lawsuit against Michigan to prevent the state from pursuing litigation against fossil fuel companies for climate change damages. Michigan had announced plans to join approximately similar lawsuits already pending in courts nationwide but was sued by the federal government before it could file.
Why it Matters: This unusual procedural move specifically references President Trump’s recent executive order on American energy production that criticizes climate-focused state actions.
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- Governor Whitmer Signs Two Bills Into Law Revolving Around Financial Transparency for Public Officers and Candidates
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Senate Bills 99 and 100 into law this week, which focused on increasing transparency within the Michigan legislature, requiring public officers and candidates to report and specify any unearned income and/or securities they receive.
Why it Matters: Senate Bill 99 amends the Public Officers Financial Disclosure Act, including specifying that reporting requirements for unearned income and securities would have to include the origin and address of the sources and securities, and require the public officer to include the name of the lobbyist or lobbyist agent that made the gift payment. Senate Bill 100 amends the Candidate for Office Financial Disclosure Act, including specifying the reporting requirements for unearned income and securities would have to include the origin and address of the sources and securities.
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- Organizing Your Business: A Step-by-Step Guide for Michigan LLCs
Starting a business involves critical choices that shape your success and safeguard your financial future. In Michigan, forming an LLC offers entrepreneurs a powerful way to protect personal assets, simplify taxation, and maintain management flexibility.
Why it Matters: Forming and maintaining an LLC in Michigan provides valuable liability protection and flexibility for your business. By maintaining proper governance, your LLC can serve as a solid foundation for your business ventures. Read more from your Fraser Trebilcock attorney.
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- Navigating Bad Faith Claims: What Defense Attorneys Need to Know
Under the Michigan Uniform Trade Practices Act, an insurer is liable for penalty interest if it fails to timely pay a claim. “The purpose of the penalty is to penalize insurers for dilatory practices in settling meritorious claims, not to compensate a plaintiff for delay in recovering benefits to which he or she is ultimately determined to be entitled.”
Why it Matters: While it is important for insurers to train their claims professionals in background knowledge regarding bad faith law, including the factors above, there is no need to lead with fear. The biggest takeaway is that the opposite of “bad faith” is “good faith.” Therefore, claims professionals should be encouraged to utilize their best judgment with the information at the given time. Read more from your Fraser Trebilcock attorney.
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- NLRB Establishes Standard for Workplace Rules
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has issued a ruling in Stericycle Inc., adopting a new legal standard for evaluating the lawfulness of employer work rules. Under the previous standard, an employer was not required to narrowly tailor its rules to promote its legitimate and substantial business interests without unnecessarily burdening employee rights.
Why it Matters: Workplaces may need to review existing policies to their employee handbooks to ensure compliance, and tailor their workplace rules to service legitimate business interests. Read more from your Fraser Trebilcock attorney.
Related Practice Groups and Professionals
Insurance | Dakota Larson
Business & Tax | Andrew Martin
Labor, Employment & Civil Rights | David Houston