Business courts receive support from federation

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) recently voiced support for House Bill 5128, sponsored by Representatives John Walsh and Kurt Heise that would establish a business court docket in Michigan. The bill was the subject of hearings in the House Judiciary Committee. "Businesses struggle with compliance and legal costs in all areas as they conduct commerce in our state and improvements like this are another positive for Michigan job providers," said NFIB State Director Charlie Owens. "There has been an increase in the creation of business and commercial court dockets in many states and municipalities over the last twenty years and Michigan needs to do the same to remain competitive." Owens referred to a study by the National Center for State Courts that found that business courts have increased from three pilot dockets in 1993 to more than 40 court programs within 22 states in 2010. It was also noted in that report that "...commercial and business courts are necessary components of a region's economic health and that their absence creates a competitive disadvantage with other regions." "We urge members of the Committee to support HB 5128 and implement this important proposal in our state and consider expanding the concept to district court after demonstrating the success of the docket in circuit court," said Owens. Owens noted that the legislation continues efforts to make Michigan more business friendly as evidenced by recent initiatives to establish a special business portal in the Unemployment Agency and raising the limits for small claims court filings. "These bills to establish a business court are another step in the right direction," said Owens. For additional information about NFIB, visit www.nfib.com/michigan. Published: Tue, May 29, 2012

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