Snyder signs legislation clarifying exemptions provided to Michigan law enforcement officers

Certain exemptions from prosecution provided to on-duty law enforcement officers have been clarified under legislation signed Wednesday by Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder.

"Every day the brave men and women in Michigan's law enforcement community work tirelessly to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of all Michiganders," Snyder said. "These bills help ensure the ongoing integrity and accountability of our law enforcement system by clarifying what actions officers are exempt from while performing their official duties."

House Bill 4355 and Senate Bill 275, sponsored by state Rep. Gary Glenn and state Sen. Judy Emmons, respectively, amend the Michigan Penal Code to clarify exemptions from prosecution of law enforcement officers for various prostitution-related offenses committed while on duty. The bills specify that immunity currently given to law enforcement officers from prosecution for certain prostitution-related offense while performing his or her duties as a law enforcement officer does not apply if the officer engages in sexual acts while on duty. The bills are now Public Acts 194-195 of 2017.

Snyder also signed two additional bills:

- Senate Bill 342, sponsored by state Sen. John Proos, amends the Land Division Act to change the requirements for language to be included on a deed conveying the right to make divisions to a transferred parcel of land. The bill also amends language in the notice provided to local assessors when the right to make land divisions or the transfer of a parcel is announced. It is now Public Act 196 of 2017.

- Senate Bill 385, sponsored by state Sen. Jim Stamas, removes regulations that currently restrict collection agencies from hiring an attorney and sharing office space, under certain conditions. The bill allows agencies to employ an attorney to collect a claim as long as the claim is owned by the agency or its affiliate. It is now Public Act 197 of 2017.

For additional information on this and other legislation, visit www.legislature.mi.gov.

Published: Fri, Dec 15, 2017