Gov. Snyder signs bills modifying local regulations to save resources

On Wednesday, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signed three bills that clarify operations of municipalities, making it easier for counties, cities, townships and villages to file documents and save money at the local government level. "Repealing outdated laws on the books and helping to modernize government at the local level has been a major priority," Snyder said. "These bills allow communities to correct issues that have hindered their operations to help them conserve resources and provide better services to residents." Senate Bill 62, sponsored by state Sen. Curtis Hertel, allows county deed offices to accept an electronic signature for property documents being filed. It is now Public Act 131 of 2015. SB 281, sponsored by state Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker, allows the 36th District Court in Detroit to remove bailiffs from office if they are unable to perform essential functions of their job. Prior to this change, state law assured bailiffs of this court lifetime employment, regardless of ability to perform the duties of their position. It is now PA 132. House Bill 4070, sponsored by Rep. Kurt Heise, allows employees of municipalities under 40,000 residents to serve in dual roles, so long as they are not in charge of negotiating collective bargaining agreements. This type of consolidation has the potential to realize cost savings for municipalities. It is now PA 134. The governor also signed SB 468, sponsored by state Sen. Mike Green, which adjusts pharmacy technician licensure requirements first implemented in 2014. Under the bill, a temporary license will be valid for 1 year rather than 210 days, and licensed technicians will be able to work at any of an employer's licensed pharmacy locations in the state of Michigan. The bill is now PA 133. All four bills were approved with bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. For additional information on this and other legislation, visitwww.legislature.mi.gov. Published: Fri, Oct 02, 2015