COMMENTARY: A new year brings a number of new laws into effect

By Marie E. Matyjaszek With the new year upon us, bills that were delayed in becoming laws are beginning to take effect. One that received overwhelming support the repeal of the "tampon tax" is effective February 3, 2022. Feminine hygiene products, otherwise known as period products, are expensive, and manufacturers charge a pretty penny knowing that they are a necessary purchase. Thanks to the new law, these items will no longer be subject to Michigan's 6 percent sales tax, helping reduce the already tight budgets of many. Switching gears, Michigan International Speedway, a long-established mecca to NASCAR fans, will be allowed to sell liquor if it holds at least two days of motorsports events each year. This is down significantly from the previous requirement of seven days and is in response to the COVID-19 pandemic which prompted cancellations of all sorts of events. If there is one activity that goes along with NASCAR, it's drinking, and fans will be happy to know they can still have that beer even with a reduced race slate. And somewhat relatedly and as I mentioned in an earlier column, a "second chance" law for drunk driving offenders takes effect later this month. There is now a required criminal background check for individuals who are working with senior citizens. The law has retroactive effect to October 1, 2020, and applies to new and existing employees, subcontractor and subcontractor employees, as well as certain volunteers who have more personal contact with senior citizens. The checks must be updated every three years, as some employees may be less than forthcoming with new legal troubles. My personal favorite is the law that lets people renew their vehicle registration for two years instead of one. As time consuming as it is to go to the Secretary of State office, or use its website, I am more than happy to delay this activity to every other year. This law doesn't go into effect until this October, which leaves most having to do another two years in a row unless they are late fall/early winter birthdays. Even so, I'll take it. Hopefully these new laws and others will bring a welcome change for 2022. -------- Marie E. Matyjaszek is an Attorney Referee at the Washtenaw County Friend of the Court; however, the views expressed in this column are her own. She can be reached by e-mailing matyjasz@hotmail.com. Published: Tue, Feb 15, 2022