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February 27, 2025: MTA Edition

In this issue:

  

  

  
   Firearm Sign   

New Laws Prohibit Firearms at Polling Places and Other Election Locations

Courtney Gabbara Agrusa

In December of 2024, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law two measures which prohibits the possession of firearms at polling sites and other election-related locations. The two new laws, known as Public Act 157 and Public Act 158 of 2024, aim to enhance the security of voters, election workers and the overall election process. The virtually identical laws provide clear and simple regulations regarding the possession of firearms at the polls and election-related sites...

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   Hourglass   

What Employers Need to Know About Michigan's Amended Earned Sick Time Act

Employment Law Practice Team

Foster Swift hosted a webinar that discussed the new requirements of ESTA, see the full recording here.

In a race against the clock, Senate Democrats and House Republicans managed to reach a compromise regarding the Earned Sick Time Act (“Act”) which will apply to all Michigan employers. On February 20, 2025, the Michigan House and Senate passed HB 4002 and the Governor signed on February 21, 2025...

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You're Invited: Join Us for Lunch at the 2025 MTA Conference

April 1, 2025 from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm in River Overlook CD at MTA Annual Conference

Join Foster Swift's Business Solutions Session at the 2025 MTA Conference. Gain a practical perspective of some of the hottest topics facing Michigan townships in 2025 including—but not limited to—wind and solar energy, the latest on zoning, land use and other issues that may arise.

This session is in DeVos Place, located in the River Overlook CD Room. While anyone may attend, lunch is guaranteed only to the first 100 who RSVP to Jake Leuvoy at jleuvoy@fosterswift.com.

Stop by our Booth #44 at the conference expo and be sure to catch one of the following MTA sessions below presented by a Foster Swift attorney.

  
  
  

Nip It in the Bud: The Importance of Strong Policies and Handbooks

April 2, 2025 from 1:00-2:15 pm at MTA Annual Conference

Courtney AgrusaSpeaker: Courtney G. Agrusa 

In the day-to-day hustle of running a township, it’s easy to overlook the importance of maintaining strong employee policies and handbooks. But this blind spot can open your township up to significant employee claims and disputes down the road. 

Learn the distinction between employee policies and handbooks, what should (and should not!) be included, and how often your township’s policies and handbooks should be updated to reduce legal risks and support a positive workplace culture.

  
  
  

Social Media Pitfalls

April 2, 2025 from 2:45-4:00 pm at MTA Annual Conference

Mackenzie AlmassianKeith BrownSpeaker: Mackenzie M. Almassian and Keith T. Brown

Social media can be a powerful tool to engage constituents, disseminate information and collect feedback. But when does our personal social media transform into public? What can officials do to keep their personal pages personal? When (and what) can your township restrict without stepping on your team’s free speech rights? The right choices lead to community engagement, but the wrong choices lead to expensive litigation. Explore the dos and don’ts for navigating the complicated, ever-evolving social media landscape.

  

  

  
   Energy Site Construction   

Michigan Municipalities Demand Action: Support for House Bills 4027 and 4028 to Restore Local Zoning

January 30, 2025

The people of Michigan have spoken: municipalities are standing together in support of House Bills 4027 and 4028, marking a pivotal effort to restore local control over renewable energy projects and end the state’s top-down imposition of energy facilities on communities. These bills directly address the frustrations of residents and local leaders, who have long felt sidelined by state preemption laws like Public Act 233, which strip communities of their rightful authority to regulate projects that profoundly impact their residents...

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Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC E-Newsletters are intended for general information for our clients and friends. This newsletter highlights specific areas of law and is not legal advice. The reader should consult an attorney to determine how this information applies to any specific situation.

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