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Legal Insights Blog
Welcome to Our Legal Blog. We’re glad you’re here.
At Beier Howlett, P.C., we know the law can feel overwhelming, and our goal is to make it a little easier to understand. This blog is a place where we break down everyday legal questions, share helpful tips, and talk about what’s happening in the legal world in a way that’s clear and practical.
Whether you’re looking for guidance, exploring your options, or simply curious, we hope you find information here that supports you and answers your questions. Thanks for reading—we’re here to help.
New Law Information
Matt Epling Safe School Law
A new school year can be exciting for students, but it can also be nerve-wracking. Bullying is a major problem in the school system that many students face. A 2019 survey showed that over 20% of Michigan high school students get bullied. Bullying can cause long-term and severe damage to children, and in extreme cases, can result in suicide as it did for Matt Epling. He was a victim of bullying and ended his own life in 2002, the summer before he was to begin his freshman year
Sep 9, 20253 min read
Amended Youth Employment Standards Act
On April 2 of this year, changes to the Youth Employment Standards Act (YESA) went into effect. This is a Michigan law that regulates the employment of minors. YESA establishes rules issuing required work permits, what types of jobs minors can have, the number of hours they are allowed to work, and the times in which they are allowed to work. Previously, schools handled the responsibility of issuing work permits for minors, but under the amended law, starting October 2, 2026,
Aug 27, 20252 min read
Michigan Fireworks Laws
Fourth of July is upon us which means firework season is in full force! It is a time to gather with family and friends, enjoy a BBQ, light off fireworks, and take in the beauty that Michigan summers offer us. If you partake in lighting off consumer fireworks, it is important to ensure you are complying with Michigan laws regarding them.
Jun 30, 20252 min read
Changes to Michigan Car Seat Laws
On April 2, 2025, changes are happening regarding Michigan car seat laws to improve safety for children. Proper car seat and booster seat installation, as well as following all manufacturer instructions, is imperative to protect children. This will dramatically reduce the risk of injury or death if a child happens to be in a car accident. Car accidents are the leading cause of death in children under the age of 13, according to Michigan State Police. Children must be secured
Mar 26, 20252 min read
Understanding Bail in Michigan
If you are accused of a crime in Michigan, it is important to understand bail and how it works in Michigan. This court practice is designed to presume that the defendant is innocent while the defendant awaits trial. Being well informed will help you navigate this criminal process. What is bail? Bail is a sum of money set by a judge or magistrate, that an individual who is accused of a crime must pay to the court if they want to be temporarily released from jail while they wai
Nov 4, 20243 min read
FLSA Rule Change: Is Your Salaried Employee Still Exempt From Overtime Pay?
The Fair Labor Standards Act is a United States Federal Labor Law enacted in 1938 that protects employees’ rights by establishing minimum wage, overtime pay eligibility, record keeping, and child labor rules. This affects full-time and part-time employees in the private sector and in the federal, state, and local governments.
Sep 24, 20244 min read
AED Access at Michigan Public School Athletic Events
Recently, a set of bills were passed in the Michigan House that would mandate Michigan Public Schools to have Automated External Defibrillator (AED) access at school athletic events.
Mar 28, 20242 min read
Read by Grade Three Law Repealed
Many bills signed by Governor Whitmer in 2023 are now law and will be going into effect in mid-February 2024. One of these laws is the repeal of the “Read by Grade Three” law, the result of which is that students will no longer be required to repeat their current grade level due to low reading scores.
Feb 15, 20242 min read
New Michigan Firearms Laws
On Tuesday, February 13, 2024, new firearm violence prevention bills will become effective law. These laws signed by Governor Whitmer were sponsored bills in response to the two mass school shootings that occurred at Oxford High School in 2021 and Michigan State University in 2023.
Feb 12, 20243 min read
Hands-Free Driving Law in Michigan
On June 7th, Governor Whitmer signed new legislation in Michigan regarding hands-free driving. Michigan is the 26th state to enact this hands-free distracted driving law. It has been illegal to text and drive in Michigan since 2010 and at that time cell phones were not as advanced as they are now. This new law prohibits any type of cell phone use, while driving, that is not hands-free.
Jun 21, 20233 min read
Governor Whitmer Signs New "Red Flag" Laws
On Monday, Governor Whitmer signed a new bill into law regarding “Red Flag” Gun Laws. Michigan is the 21st state to implement this type of law which are also sometimes referred to as extreme risk protection orders. The stated purpose of this legislation is to protect a person in crisis from hurting or harming others or themselves by temporarily removing guns and prohibiting their purchase.
May 23, 20232 min read
Critical Incident Mapping
Schools already need to provide their local law enforcement with building data and blueprints for their campuses, but at the end of 2022, Governor Whitmer signed a new bill into law that took effect in January regarding critical incident mapping.
Feb 22, 20232 min read
New Michigan Consumer Guide on Medical Surprise Billing Available
Recently the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) released a consumer guide that helps navigate through surprise medical billing. This guide helps you understand your rights when you have received an unexpected medical bill after treatment.
Jan 23, 20232 min read
New Bill Signed
Last week, Governor Whitmer signed a new bill into law that protects children in the Michigan foster care system. One of the main points of the bill was to further expand the meaning of “relative.”
Oct 25, 20221 min read
Michigan Firework Laws 2022
As the Fourth of July approaches, we start to see the firework tents pop up, the shelves at convenience stores start to fill up with consumer fireworks, and people start planning out their Up North firework displays for their families and friends. It is important to remember that for the Fourth of July, the window to legally ignite consumer fireworks is from Jun 29th to July 4th at 11:45 pm.
Jun 28, 20223 min read
New Laws in Michigan for 2022
Up until this year, Michiganders had to renew their vehicle registration yearly. However, that is changing in October of 2022, after your Birthday. Your vehicle registration, as well as the recreational passport, will be good for two years.
May 16, 20222 min read
Clean Slate Law
Michigan recently passed the “Clean Slate” law, which allows for more criminal convictions to be expunged (set aside.) As of April 11, 2021, more misdemeanor and felony convictions are eligible to be set aside. Additionally, the law shortened the time period after a conviction to submit an application for an expungement.
May 13, 20211 min read
Criminal Justice Reform Bills
Recently, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed multiple bipartisan bills to expand Criminal Justice Reform in Michigan. The bills revamp the way many people with criminal convictions will be treated, including juveniles. While the new laws do not take effect right away, the future will be brighter for many individuals in the justice system.
Mar 22, 20213 min read
Recreational Marijuana and Municipalities
With the passing of Proposal 1 in 2018, legalizing recreational marijuana, cities and towns across the state of Michigan have had to deal with deciding whether to opt in or opt out, drafting ordinances reflecting the decision, and preparing the infrastructure necessary when opting in.
Sep 30, 20203 min read
Michigan No-Fault Reform
This article on Michigan No Fault Reform is meant to help you understand the changes most likely to affect you should you be involved in an automobile accident after that date. We suggest you contact your insurance agent to discuss any necessary changes to your policy. If you have any legal questions regarding the Michigan No Fault Reform, please contact Beier Howlett.
Jun 30, 20207 min read
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