Public Administrative Hearing on Sept. 14 includes amendments to expand videoconferencing
Pursuant to Administrative Order No. 1997-11, the Michigan Supreme Court will hold a public administrative hearing on Wednesday, Sept. 14, in the Supreme Court courtroom located on the sixth floor of the Michigan Hall of Justice, 925 W. Ottawa Street in Lansing.
On the agenda are proposed amendments that would permit courts to expand the use of videoconferencing technology to additional court proceedings. Based on current court rules, the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) has saved $14.7 million since 2010 through the virtual transport of prisoners. The savings to MDOC in staff time and travel have climbed from $649,000 in FY 2011 to $4.3 million in FY 2015 and are expected to reach $4.8 million in FY 2016.
The hearing will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. and adjourn no later than 11:30 a.m. Persons who wish to address the Court regarding matters on the agenda will be allotted three minutes each to present their views, after which the speakers may be questioned by the Justices.
A complete list of administrative matters on the agenda for this hearing is available online. Previously submitted comments on these matters can be found online as well.
To reserve a place on the agenda, please notify the Office of Administrative Counsel in writing at P.O. Box 30052, Lansing, Michigan 48909, or by e-mail at ADMcomment@courts.mi.gov no later than today.
The Court broadcasts its oral arguments and other hearings live on the Internet. Watch the stream live only while the Court is in session and on the bench.
Streaming will begin shortly before the hearings start; audio will be muted until justices take the bench.
Justice Brian Zahra testifies in support of legislation to help military spouses practice law
Michigan Supreme Court Justice Brian Zahra last week testified before the House Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs in support of legislation that would help military spouses practice law in Michigan. HB 5289 permits the spouse of an active military member to be admitted to the Bar without examination as long as she or he:
- Is the spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces who is on active duty and assigned to a duty station in Michigan;
- Has passed the Bar exam and is licensed and in good standing in the Bar of another U.S. state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory;
- Meets all state requirements as to character and fitness, citizenship, age, general education, and ability;
- Has not taken and failed the examination for admission in Michigan; and,
- Is a graduate of a law school approved and accredited by the American Bar Association at the time of graduation.
The companion bill, HB 5288, provides that the military spouse as qualified under the terms of this legislation remains a valid member of the bar until their spouse is no longer in military service, they are no longer married, or they have been permanently transferred.
Zahra testified in his role as the Court's liaison to the state's Board of Law Examiners (BLE). In his testimony, Justice Zahra highlighted the benefits of the legislation:
"First, military families can avoid the time and expense and stress of multiple bar exams. Second, barriers to employment are torn down for military spouses. Third, it brings stability to military families, increasing retention of top officers and enlisted members. And fourth, it helps military families maintain a source of income. The bottom line is that it is time for Michigan to join the 18 other states that have similar licensing accommodations for military spouses.
"We can never do enough to thank the women and men who serve in America's military. But these bills are a step in the right direction to show how much we appreciate not just their service and sacrifice but also the service and sacrifice of their families-especially their spouses."
Justice Bernstein receives Champion Award from MRS
Champions who demonstrate outstanding commitment to Michigan's public vocational rehabilitation programs for people with disabilities took home awards last week at an annual ceremony.
Michigan Rehabilitation Services within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services collaborated with the Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services to recognize employers, partners, customers and MRS employees.
This was the sixth consecutive year that MRS has expanded its highly successful award program to recognize not only employers but also partner programs, vocational rehabilitation customers with disabilities and MRS employees. MRS offices around the state nominated champion candidates. The consistent theme from those nominated was demonstration of the value of hiring and retaining vocational rehabilitation customers.
The event is in advance of Investing in Abilities Month in October, as proclaimed by Gov. Rick Snyder to encourage employers to hire qualified people with disabilities while focusing on their abilities and increasing the public's awareness of the contributions and skills of Michigan workers with disabilities.
Michigan Supreme Court Justic Richard Bernstein received a statewide award in the category of "Partners who have demonstrated a strong commitment to empower individuals with disabilities to take charge of their futures."
Published: Mon, Sep 12, 2016
