minimum wage | Fraser Blog

Five Stories That Matter in Michigan This Week – February 28, 2025

Reviewing the Changes on ESTA and Minimum Wage Laws

Last week, Governor Whitmer signed bills HB 4002 and SB 8, which amended the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) and the tipped minimum wage law standards that were set to go into effect February 21, 2025. Now, employers will need to adjust their policies to reflect the changes set forth in the bills.

Why it Matters: Employers with 11 employees or more must offer 72 hours of paid sick leave, employers with 10 or fewer employees must offer 40 hours of paid sick leave, and employers are now allowed to frontload sick time. Minimum wage was increased to $12.48 beginning February 21, 2025, $13.71 on January 1, 2026, $15 on January 1, 2027, respectively. Beginning January 1, 2028, and each following year, the minimum wage will increase by the rate of inflation, provided unemployment remains below 8.5%. Read more from your Fraser Trebilcock attorney.

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FinCEN Update: CTA Reporting Requirement Back On

February 18, 2025, the United States District Court in Texas that had ordered the injunction that had paused enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act’s (“CTA”) Beneficial Owner Information Reporting (“BOIR”) requirements has granted the government’s request for a stay of that injunction pending appeal.

Why it Matters: This means that FinCEN is authorized to enforce the BOIR requirements, yet again. However, because the Department of the Treasury recognizes that reporting companies may need additional time to comply with their BOI reporting obligations, FinCEN is generally extending the deadline 30 calendar days from February 19, 2025, for most companies. Read more.

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Fraser Trebilcock Welcomes Dakota A. Larson to the Firm

We are pleased to announce the hiring of Dakota A. Larson who will primarily work in the firm’s Lansing office.

Why it Matters: Ms. Larson focuses on insurance defense and business matters. She has experience handling complex liability, coverage, and bad faith claims in multiple lines of insurance and in multiple jurisdictions. Learn more.

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Sixth Circuit Upholds Employment Arbitration Provisions Without Explanation Requirement

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit recently ruled in Gavette v. United Wholesale Mortgage, LLC that employment arbitration provisions are binding even when employers don’t explain them to an employee or suggest seeking legal advice before signing.

Why it Matters: This decision reinforces that employees are responsible for documents containing arbitration provisions, regardless of their understanding of the terms, giving Michigan employers greater certainty that their arbitration agreements will be enforced without additional procedural requirements.

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Michigan Cannabis Exceeds $247 Million in January ‘25

Cannabis sales surpassed $247 million in January 2025, via the monthly report from the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency. Michigan adult-use sales came in at $246,615,619.35, while medical sales came in at $710,061.91, totaling $247,325,681.26.

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.

Related Practice Groups and Professionals

Labor, Employment & Civil Rights | David Houston
Business & Tax | Robert D. Burgee
Dakota Larson
Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher

Governor Whitmer Signs Bills Amending ESTA and Minimum Wage Laws

Minimum Wage & Tip Credit

Summary of Senate Bill No. 8[1]

Under this legislation, Michigan workers, including employees who receive gratuities within the course of their employment (“tipped workers”), will see an immediate increase in the minimum hourly wage $12.48, effective immediately. The minimum wage will then increase to $13.73 on January 1, 2026, and then to $15.00 on January 1, 2027, respectively. Beginning January 1, 2028, and each following year, the minimum wage will increase by the rate of inflation, provided unemployment remains below 8.5%.

For tipped employees, the minimum wage beginning February 21, 2025 is 38% of the minimum wage, and will increase by 2% incrementally each year through 2031.

Earned Sick Time

Summary of House Bill No. 4002[2]

Under this legislation, nearly all Michigan employers will be required to provide paid sick leave to covered employees. Employees of the United States government, set their own schedules, or work without pay[3], are excluded. However, each individual performing work on a full-time, part-time, or a temporary basis and those made available to work through the services of a temporary services or staffing agency is each counted as an employee; there is no accounting or consideration for full-time-equivalence.

Employee sick time accrual began immediately on February 21, 2025, or upon commencement of employee’s employment if occurring after that date. Employers with 10 or fewer employees are considered “small business” and are required to permit employees to accrue and use at least 40 hours of paid sick time. Employers with 11 or more employees are required to permit employees to accrue and use at least 72 hours of paid sick time. Accrual for both employees of both employer types is at the rate of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked; and employees are permitted to roll over accrued but unused time from year to year (note that workers may only use 72 hours of paid sick time each year, regardless of accrual of more time due to roll overs).

As an alternative to accrual and uncapped roll overs, employers can choose to “front load” employee sick time at the beginning of each year, provided the employees are front loaded the total amount of time they would accrue during the year and are permitted to begin using the sick time immediately.

Finally, the legislation expands the purposes for which earned sick time may be accrued or provided to include, diagnosis, care, or treatment of an employee (or their family member’s) mental or physical illness, injury, or health condition, as well as for certain domestic violence related absences, and public health emergencies. Advance notice of taking sick time may be required under employer policies in certain circumstances where the need is foreseeable.

This alert serves as a general summary and does not constitute legal guidance. Please contact us with any specific questions. When it matters in Michigan, we are the trusted legal advisors for businesses and individuals.

Robert D. Burgee is an attorney at Fraser Trebilcock with over a decade of experience counseling clients with a focus on corporate structures and compliance, licensing, contracts, regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and a host of other matters related to the operation of small and medium-sized businesses and non-profits. You can reach him at 517.377.0848 or at bburgee@fraserlawfirm.com.

Fraser Trebilcock Shareholder Dave Houston has over 40 years of experience representing employers in planning, counseling, and litigating virtually all employment claims and disputes including labor relations (NLRB and MERC), wage and overtime, and employment discrimination, and negotiation of union contracts. He has authored numerous publications regarding employment issues. You can reach him at 517.377.0855 or dhouston@fraserlawfirm.com.

Jennie Brooks is a law clerk at Fraser Trebilcock, currently 2L at Michigan State University College of Law.

[1] https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0008.

[2] https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4002.

[3] An individuals is not considered an “employee” under the act if they are engaged in service to an employer as an unpaid trainee or unpaid intern, or is employed in accordance with the youth employment standards act under MCL 409.101 to 409.124 or employed in accordance with an employer policy that both (a) allows the individual to schedule the individual’s own working hours and (b) prohibits the employer from taking adverse personnel action against the individual if the individual does not schedule a minimum number of working hours.

Five Stories That Matter in Michigan This Week – February 21, 2025

Governor Whitmer Signs ESTA Bills Into Law

This morning, Michigan Governor Whitmer signed bills HB 4002 and SB 8, which amended the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) and the tipped minimum wage law standards that were set to go into effect February 21, 2025.

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FinCEN Update: CTA Reporting Requirement Back On

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Sixth Circuit Expands FMLA Coverage to Include Care for Adult Siblings

In Chapman v. Brentlinger Enterprises, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that employees may be eligible for FMLA leave to care for a seriously ill adult sibling if they can establish an “in loco parentis” relationship, reversing a lower court decision that had categorically excluded such care from FMLA coverage.

Why it Matters: This decision directly impacts Michigan employers by expanding potential FMLA obligations beyond traditional familial relationships to adult sibling care.

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Michigan CRA Publishes January ’25 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 January 2025 was $66.50, a decrease from $69.20 in December 2024. This is a decrease from January 2024, where the average price was $93.20.

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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Business Education Series: Anatomy of a Data Breach

Data breaches can wreak havoc on your company and almost always lead to litigation. With each new breach, we gain valuable insight into what companies could have done better. Your legal, contractual, and business obligations can sometimes be confusing and in conflict with each other.

Why it Matters: During the March Business Education Series facilitated by Nate Steed and Kelly R. Hollingsworth, this session will examine recent cases and best practices to protect your company from a breach including: lessons learned from recent data breaches; proactive strategies to insulate your business. Learn more.

Related Practice Groups and Professionals

Labor, Employment & Civil Rights | David Houston
Business & Tax | Robert D. Burgee
Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher

Five Stories That Matter in Michigan This Week – January 31, 2025

Michigan Marihuana Administrative Rules Proposed Changes Available for Review

The Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency has published proposed changes to the administrative rules (R 420.1 to R 420.1005). A public hearing on these proposed changes is, according to the CRA, supposed to take place early this year.

Why it Matters: The proposed changes (which are summarized by the CRA here) are extensive and, if enacted, will affect licensing, financial compliance, monitoring, and other important issues.

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Michigan Senate Still Reviewing Bills on Minimum Wage, Paid Sick Leave

Last week, the Michigan House of Representatives passed HB 4001 and 4002, which addressed the coming changes to the minimum wage law and the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA), respectively, which are set to go into effect on February 21, 2025. The bills were sent to the Senate for consideration, which at this moment, has yet to act on them.

Why it Matters: This comes in response to a significant Michigan Supreme Court from last summer that reimplemented a citizen initiated law mandating raising minimum wage to $15 by 2028, phasing out the tipped minimum wage system, and requiring paid sick time for nearly every Michigan worker.

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Michigan Cannabis Eclipses $10 Billion to Date

Michigan cannabis sales have exceeded $10 billion to date, since the state began selling adult-use marijuana in December 2019. In 2024 alone, the state made over $3 billion in sales of adult-use marijuana.

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Governor Whitmer Signs New Law Requiring Businesses to Display Resources Poster for Veterans

This week, Governor Whitmer signed into law a new act, called, “veteran’s employee resources act,” that now requires businesses to display a poster in a conspicuous place that has information related to veterans’ services, such as military/veterans’ affairs, mental health and substance abuse services, and tax benefits.

Why it Matters: This act will go into effect April 2, 2025. Businesses will need to display the proper information poster, or face repercussions if they do not.

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Corporate Transparency Act Update – U.S. Supreme Court Lifts Nationwide Injunction

Last week, the United States Supreme Court granted the government’s request to lift the nationwide injunction that had been preventing enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”). However, in response to the Supreme Court’s order, FinCEN has provided the following guidance.

Why it Matters: As a separate nationwide order issued by a different federal judge in Texas (Smith v. U.S. Department of the Treasury) still remains in place, reporting companies are not currently required to file beneficial ownership information with FinCEN despite the Supreme Court’s action in Texas Top Cop Shop. Reporting companies also are not subject to liability if they fail to file this information while the Smith order remains in force. However, reporting companies may continue to voluntarily submit beneficial ownership information reports. Read more.

Related Practice Groups and Professionals

Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher
Business & Tax | Robert D. Burgee
Labor, Employment & Civil Rights | David Houston

Five Stories That Matter in Michigan This Week – January 24, 2025

Michigan House Passes Bills on Minimum Wage, Paid Sick Leave

This week, the Michigan House of Representatives passed HB 4001 and 4002, which address the coming changes to the minimum wage law and the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA), respectively, and which are set to go into effect on February 21, 2025. Now the bills are sent to the Senate for consideration.

Why it Matters: This comes in response to a significant Michigan Supreme Court from last summer that reimplemented a citizen initiated law mandating raising minimum wage to $15 by 2028, phasing out the tipped minimum wage system, and requiring paid sick time for nearly every Michigan worker.

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Corporate Transparency Act Update – U.S. Supreme Court Lifts Nationwide Injunction –

On January 23, 2025, the United States Supreme Court granted the government’s request to lift one of the nationwide injunction that had been preventing enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”). However, due to another similar injunction that was not addressed by the Court, FinCEN has provided the following guidance.

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Federal Court Strikes Down 2024 Title IX LGBTQ+ Protections

A federal judge in Kentucky recently invalidated the Biden administration’s 2024 Title IX regulations that would have expanded protections for LGBTQ+ students nationwide. The ruling found that the U.S. Department of Education exceeded its authority in attempting to broaden Title IX’s scope to include gender identity discrimination.

Why it Matters: While this ruling reverts federal standards back to 2020, Michigan schools must still comply with the state’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, which protects students from discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, and gender expression.

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Michigan Cannabis Exceeds $265 Million in December ‘24

Cannabis sales surpassed $265 million in December, via the monthly report from the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency. Michigan adult-use sales came in at $264,689,198.93, while medical sales came in at $815,759.74, totaling $265,504,958.67.

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Business Education Series: Your Comprehensive Guide to Driving Employee Engagement

The workforce is facing challenges like talent shortages and quiet quitting, making it crucial to attract, engage, and retain employees. With 75% of turnover preventable, employers who create engaging environments focused on essential needs can better retain and attract talent.

Why it Matters: During the January Business Education Series, facilitated by Cheryl Kuch, Senior Consultant, Rehmann, discover what top organizations do to foster engagement and gain best practices to protect your most valuable asset—your people. Hosted at the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. More information.

Related Practice Groups and Professionals

Labor, Employment & Civil Rights | David Houston
Business & Tax | Robert D. Burgee
Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher

Five Stories That Matter in Michigan This Week – January 10, 2025

Michigan Minimum Wage Increase Reminder

On January 1, 2025, Michigan’s minimum wage increased from $10.33 to $10.56. On February 21, 2025, it will increase to $12.48. The minimum wage will continue to increase annually and reach $14.97 on February 21, 2028.

Why it Matters: Michigan employers will need to review and adjust their payroll systems, wage scales, and budgets to ensure compliance while considering potential compression issues with existing pay rates for more experienced workers.

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Michigan House Committee Advances Proposed FOIA Bills

The Michigan House Government Operations Committee recently advanced bills to the House floor that would, among other things, subject the legislature, governor, lieutenant governor and their executive offices the state’s Freedom of Information Act requirements.

Why it Matters: Only Michigan and Massachusetts currently have these types of exemptions in their FOIA laws. While the House Government Operations Committee’s actions keep the bills alive, it’s uncertain whether they will become law.

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13 Fraser Trebilcock Attorneys Honored by Leading Lawyers for 2025

Thirteen Fraser Trebilcock attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the list of Michigan’s Leading Lawyers for 2025, a distinction earned by fewer than five percent of all lawyers licensed to practice law in Michigan.

Why it Matters: Those selected include: H. Kirby Albright, Commercial Litigation; Land Use, Zoning & Condemnation Law; Real Estate Law: Commercial; Michael S. Ashton, Energy Law; Governmental, Municipal, Lobbying & Administrative Law; Public Utilities Law: Gas/Water/Electric; Douglas J. Austin, Land Use, Zoning & Condemnation Law; Real Estate Law: Commercial; Real Estate Law: Finance; Michael E. Cavanaugh, Commercial Litigation; Employment Law: Management; Governmental, Municipal, Lobbying & Administrative Law; Labor Law: Management; Michael P. Donnelly, Commercial Litigation; Jennifer Utter Heston, Energy Law; Governmental, Municipal, Lobbying & Administrative Law; Public Utilities Law: Gas/Water/Electric; David J. Houston, Employment Law: Management; Mark E. Kellogg, Closely & Privately Held Business Law; Tax Law: Individual; Trust, Will & Estate Planning Law; Thaddeus E. Morgan, Commercial Litigation, Construction Law; Melisa M.W. Mysliwiec, Elder Law; Michael H. Perry, Environmental Law; Gary C. Rogers, Bankruptcy & Workout Law: Commercial; Creditor’s Rights/Commercial Collections Law; Marlaine C. Teahan, Trust, Will & Estate Planning Law. Read more.

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IRS Announces 2025 Standard Mileage Rates

The IRS announced the 2025 standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical, or moving purposes. Beginning on January 1, 2025, the rate for business use is 70 cents per mile, an increase of 3 cents from 2024. However, the mileage rates for vehicles used for other purposes will remain unchanged from 2024.

Why it Matters: Self-employed individuals who operate an automobile for business use, as well as employers who reimburse employees who use their own vehicles to conduct business, should take note of these changes.

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FinCEN Petitions Supreme Court to Intervene

After a week and a half of yo-yoing federal court decisions affecting the implementation of the Corporate Transparency Act’s requirement for businesses and other entities to file Beneficial Owner Information Reports, the government has now petitioned the United States Supreme Court to weigh in.

Why it Matters: For now, the reporting requirement is once again “voluntary” per FinCEN’s guidance, but business owners and others are advised to pay close attention, as a decision by the Supreme Court could come swiftly. And if the injunction is lifted, any extension of the filing deadline is expected to be relatively short in light of the government’s arguments in the Application for a Stay and given the fact that FinCEN’s prior extension provided less than two additional weeks, moving the deadline from January 1, 2025, to January 13, 2025. Read more.

Related Practice Groups and Professionals

Labor, Employment & Civil Rights | David Houston
Business & Tax | Robert D. Burgee

Five Stories That Matter in Michigan This Week – November 8, 2024

New Approval Procedures for Large-Scale Renewable Energy Projects to Take Effect on November 29, 2024

The Michigan Public Service Commission and other state regulators have recently finalized procedures for approval processes for large-scale solar and wind projects to implement a 2023 law that transfers decision-making authority, in some cases, from local governments to the state. The new procedures will take effect on November 29, 2024.

Why it Matters: Renewable energy project approval processes will, in most instances, still need to begin at the local level. However, the law allows developers to seek state approval from the Public Service Commission if a project is denied by a local government.

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Business Education Series: Referral Generation: Avoid Peaks & Valleys in Your Sales Funnel

Every business owner prefers a referral to a cold lead. Referrals have a basis of trust and understanding that makes the sales process simpler to execute and winning easier to achieve. Referrals can’t be generated intentionally however, right? On Tuesday, December 17, Ian Richardson, BBA, CSAP, MCSA, Principal Consultant, Fox & Crow Group LLC & Managing Partner, Richardson & Richardson Consulting, LLC, will discuss how this is incorrect.

Why it Matters: Learn how to structure an intentional referral generation pipeline from existing clients while minimizing the risk of client churn. Three takeaways include preparing conversations with clients, retention efforts for clients who are not ready to refer, and review of how to prepare a referral list for clients. Full information and to register.

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Two House Bills Introduced Aimed at Amending Minimum Wage, Earned Sick Time Leave Act

House Bills 6056 and 6057 were introduced into the Michigan House this week, seeking to amend the Earned Sick Time Leave Act, and keep the tipped wage at the current 38%.

Why it Matters: The bipartisan legislation aims to keep the tipped wage at 38%, while slightly accelerating the minimum wage increase, as well as providing a clearer definition of an employee, and how employers can manage benefits. This legislation comes as the state is preparing for the February 21, 2025 deadline, where the minimum wage and paid sick time leave laws will be altered.

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Michigan Court of Appeals Confirms Commercial Roof Replacement Qualifies as “New Construction” for Property Tax Purposes

In a recent decision that clarifies the scope of property tax “additions” under Michigan law, the Court of Appeals held that installing a new roof on a commercial building constitutes “new construction” that can trigger increases in taxable value beyond the standard legislative cap.

Why it Matters: By confirming that even basic building improvements like roof replacements constitute “additions” that can trigger increased tax assessments, the ruling clarifies a power that local tax assessors have long possessed but may not have consistently exercised.

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FTC Overhaul of Hart-Scott-Rodino Act Pre-Merger Notification Rules

On October 10, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) unveiled extensive modifications to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act (HSR) pre-merger notification regulations. These changes, set to take effect in January 2025, significantly expand disclosure requirements for mergers and acquisitions.

Why it Matters: The Act applies to transactions that meet specific size thresholds, which are adjusted annually. Generally, in 2024, transactions where one party has a size of at least $239 million; the other party has a size of at least $23.9 million; and the size of the transaction is at least $119.5 million, must be reported. The Act aims to give regulators the opportunity to review potentially anticompetitive deals before they are consummated.

Related Practice Groups and Professionals

Energy, Utilities & Telecommunication | Sean Gallagher
Business & Tax
Labor, Employment & Civil Rights | David Houston

Five Stories That Matter in Michigan This Week – October 4, 2024

With Election Looming, it’s Important to be Informed About Michigan’s AI Election Communications Law

A little less than a year ago, in November, 2023, Michigan became the fifth U.S. state to pass a law regulating artificial intelligence use in election communications. The legislation requires a disclaimer on political advertisements created using A.I.-generated content.

Why it Matters: Under the law, a person who knowingly violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000.00 or imprisonment for not more than 93 days, or both. You can access more information about the law here.

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Michigan Sales Tax Applies to Credit Card Surcharges

Recently, the Michigan Department of Treasury provided guidance on the application of a Michigan sales tax on credit card “surcharges” for businesses. The Michigan Department of Treasury considers the surcharge added to a customer’s bill a “service cost” or “other expense of the seller” under the General Sales Tax Act, making it part of the taxable “sales price” of a transaction.

Why it Matters: Compliance with this guidance is important. Failure to do so may result in underpayment of taxes due to the State of Michigan, potentially subjecting your business to penalties and interest. If you have any questions about how this guidance applies to your specific situation, please contact Paul McCord or your Fraser Trebilcock attorney. Read more.

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Update: Michigan Supreme Court Clarifies its “Adopt and Amend” Minimum Wage and Tipped Worker Ruling

The Michigan Supreme Court recently issued a clarification of its July 31, 2024 ruling on minimum wage and paid sick leave standards. This update, released on September 18, 2024, comes in response to a request from the State of Michigan and its attorney general, addressing several key points of confusion that arose from the original decision.

Why it Matters: Employers should remain vigilant for any further updates or guidance from state authorities. The complex nature of these changes underscores the importance of staying informed and seeking experienced legal counsel to ensure full compliance with Michigan’s evolving wage laws. Read more from your Fraser Trebilcock attorney.

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Business Education Series: Avoid the Five Business Dangers

On Wednesday, October 30, Tom Hamp, Hamp Business Coaching, will delve into the critical issues of poor leadership skills and their impact on organizational success, explore strategies to overcome underperforming sales, and discuss the consequences of ineffective marketing. Additionally, we will examine the importance of robust human capital management and the detrimental effects of financial mismanagement. This seminar is designed to provide practical solutions and actionable insights to help you navigate and resolve these common business problems effectively.

Why it Matters: Learn how to understand your business’s financials, understand profit and loss and use it to your advantage. Also learn how leadership impacts staff and how to manage employees better by increasing leadership skills. Full information and to register.

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Fraser Trebilcock Attorney Secures Victory for Firm Client

Fraser Trebilcock attorney Danielle Lofton was successful in securing a victory for the firm’s client in an insurance matter. A mother of an eight-year-old daughter in Florida had been sued over an accident that occurred in Michigan involving her daughter having caused a serious injury to a cousin while driving an ATV.

Why it Matters: The mother’s insurance company in Florida had gone into insolvency, leaving the mother on her own to defend herself in the civil lawsuit. Although she was initially faced with many roadblocks, Attorney Lofton was successful in convincing the Florida Insurance Bureau to not only settle the underlying claim, but to reimburse the firm’s client for the defense costs she incurred. Read more.

Related Practice Groups and Professionals

Business & Tax | Paul McCord
Labor, Employment & Civil Rights | David Houston
Insurance Law | Danielle Lofton

Five Stories That Matter in Michigan This Week – September 20, 2024

Michigan Supreme Court Clarifies Minimum Wage Ruling

The Michigan Supreme Court released an order following Attorney General Dana Nessel’s recent request for clarification from the Court on certain issues, including a precise start date for calculating inflations, related to the Court’s recent “adopt and amend” minimum wage and sick leave ruling in the case of Mothering Justice v Attorney General.

Why it Matters: Per the Court’s ruling, increases to the state’s minimum wage and tipped wage laws, and the expansion of the state’s earned sick time laws, will go into effect February 21, 2025. The Court’s order clarified the tipped minimum wage and date of annual increases, as well as specified new minimum wage rates. You can find the order here.

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Michigan Cannabis Sales Grow Despite Ohio Starting Recreational Sales

According to the Detroit Free Press, Ohio cannabis dispensaries sold nearly $55 million in recreational cannabis in August—the state’s first month of legal recreational sales. Michigan recreational sales increased 3% month over month, and 9% year over year, in August.

Why it Matters: There has been quite a bit of speculation about what impact Ohio’s recreational sales would have on Michigan’s cannabis marketplace. So far, Michigan seems to be continuing its growth trajectory.

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Michigan Cannabis Exceeds $295 Million in August ‘24

Cannabis sales surpassed $295 million in August, via the monthly report from the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency. Michigan adult-use sales came in at $294,151,545.18, while medical sales came in at $1,260,707.52, totaling $295,412,252.70.

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Business Education Series: Avoid the Five Business Dangers

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Intellectual Property and Rebranding: What Business Leaders Need to Know

Rebranding a business is exciting. It’s often done at a time of growth and transformation, such as a merger or acquisition, when a business is launching an important new product, entering a new geographic market, or trying to appeal to a new customer demographic. Whether you’re updating your logo, changing your company name, or overhauling your entire brand identity, it’s a big step that can lead to great opportunities.

Why it Matters: But before you dive into the creative process, it is crucial to consider the intellectual property (IP) law implications of a rebrand. Your brand is one of your most valuable assets, and rebranding involves important legal considerations that can impact your business’s future. In this article, we’ll walk you through some key IP issues you need to consider when rebranding. These considerations will help you protect your new identity and avoid costly legal pitfalls along the way. Read more.

Related Practice Groups and Professionals

Labor, Employment & Civil Rights | David Houston
Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher
Intellectual Property | Andrew Martin

Five Stories That Matter in Michigan This Week – September 13, 2024

AG Nessel Asks Michigan Supreme Court to Clarify Minimum Wage Ruling

Attorney General Dana Nessel recently sought clarification from the Michigan Supreme Court as to certain issues, including a precise start date for calculating inflations, related to the Court’s recent “adopt and amend” minimum wage and sick leave ruling in the case of Mothering Justice v Attorney General.

Why it Matters: Per the Court’s ruling, increases to the state’s minimum wage and tipped wage laws, and the expansion of the state’s earned sick time laws, will go into effect February 21, 2025. With many businesses scrambling to prepare for the impact, the Court may provide some helpful clarity to those businesses as well as the state in administering and enforcing the law.

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Attorney Douglas J. Austin Honored as “Lawyer of the Year” in Real Estate Law in Lansing

Fraser Trebilcock attorney Douglas J. Austin has been named the Best Lawyers in America^® 2025 Real Estate Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Lansing. “I am honored to be recognized by Best Lawyers^®as a 2025 ‘Lawyer of the Year’ for Real Estate Law in Lansing,” said Mr. Austin.

Why it Matters: This is a high distinction, as only one attorney in each practice area in each community is identified as “Lawyer of the Year.” Mr. Austin has been at the center of real estate law for over 45 years. In addition to being a shareholder at Fraser Trebilcock, he is also the past chair of the firm’s Real Estate Law department.

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Michigan CRA Publishes August ’24 Data: Average Price Increases

Per data released by the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA), the average retail price for adult-use sale of an ounce of cannabis in August was $80.14, a minor increase from $79.70 in July. This is a decrease from August 2023, where the average price was $94.16.

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Intellectual Property and Rebranding: What Business Leaders Need to Know

Why it Matters: But before you dive into the creative process, it is crucial to consider the intellectual property (IP) law implications of a rebrand. Your brand is one of your most valuable assets, and rebranding involves important legal considerations that can impact your business’s future. In this article, we’ll walk you through some key IP issues you need to consider when rebranding. These considerations will help you protect your new identity and avoid costly legal pitfalls along the way. Read more.

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Fraser Trebilcock is proud to announce that 12 attorneys from the firm have been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2025 edition in Lansing. Those selected include: Michael S. Ashton, Administrative / Regulatory Law; Litigation – Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy); Utilities Law; Douglas J. Austin, Real Estate Law; Michael E. Cavanaugh, Administrative / Regulatory Law; Bet-the-Company Litigation; Commercial Litigation; Litigation – Labor and Employment; Michael P. Donnelly, Commercial Litigation; Sean P. Gallagher, Environmental Law; Litigation – Environmental; Jennifer Utter Heston, Administrative / Regulatory Law; Mark E. Kellogg, Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law; Corporate Law; Hon. Paula J. Manderfield (Ret.), Mediation; Thaddeus E. Morgan, Commercial Litigation; Litigation – Construction; Michael H. Perry, Environmental Law; Gary C. Rogers, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law; Litigation – Insurance; and Marlaine C. Teahan, Trusts and Estates.

Why it Matters: “These twelve attorneys are proven leaders in their field, and practice at a very high level. We congratulate them on this recognition by Best Lawyers®,” said Thaddeus E. Morgan, President of Fraser Trebilcock. Read more.

Related Practice Groups and Professionals

Labor, Employment & Civil Rights | David Houston
Real Estate Law | Doug Austin
Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher
Intellectual Property | Andrew Martin