On May 9, 2011, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) called on U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to make clear that the Department of Justice will not prosecute people who comply with state medical marihuana laws.  Concerned about recent letters that threaten state employees and state licensed providers of medical marihuana, the ACLU is seeking clear guidance that state laws will be respected.  According to the ACLU's letter, the Department of Justice's attempt to dissuade states from enacting and implementing medical marijuana laws is an abuse of its role as an impartial prosecutor and undermines the legislative process of various sovereign states.  The ACLU's letter may be viewed here.

The Hubbard Law Firm, P.C. is pleased to welcome Troy Langer to its Municipal and Drain practice areas. In addition to his legal expertise, Mr. Langer brings with him over 15 years municipal experience outside the legal field. He received both his B.A. and M.A. from Minnesota State University at Mankato, and his J.D. from Michigan State University College of Law. Mr. Langer lives in Dewitt with his wife and family.

Read more about Troy.

Hubbard attorney Kristin Arnett presented on the topic of "Estate Planning for Blended Families" at last week's State Bar of Michigan Paralegal/Legal Assistant Section's Annual Day of Education.  More than 120 people attended the day's events in Grand Rapids.  Kris provides legal services in the areas of Estate Planning and Probate and Family Law.

The Annual Day of Education Committee was Chaired by Hubbard's Cheryl Nodarse, CLA.  Cheryl, and Hubbard's Kelly Dufty, CLA, both serve as Section Council Members.

On April 12, two new House bills affecting public transportation were referred to the Committee on Transportation.

House Bill 4366 would amend the Incompatible Public Offices Act, MCL 15.181 et seq., specifically MCL 15.183, to allow a public officer or employee of a transportation authority created under the Public Transportation Authority Act, Public Act 196 of 1986, MCL 124.451 et seq., ("PA 196") to serve as a public officer or employee on another transportation authority if each authority has members consisting of the identical political subdivisions.

House Bill 4367 would amend Section 4 of the PA 196 to allow a county with a population between 240,000 and 255,000 to form more than one public authority under the act. The current law does not allow for a single authority with different millage rates for different levels of service in different member communities.  House Bill 4367 was specifically written for counties like Kalamazoo County  and  would allow for different mileage rates based upon different levels of service.