Dear Neighbor,
Welcome to my latest e-newsletter! Included in this edition are some important legislative and COVID-19 updates, along with a few helpful resources. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office by phone at (517) 373-1788 or email at KyraBolden@house.mi.gov for questions about this or any other state-level issue.
In service,
Kyra Bolden
State Representative, 35th House District
Legislative Updates
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House Bill 4849
Last week, I testified with Rep. Graham Filler before the House Committee on Judiciary on my bill, House Bill 4849, which is a part of a statewide bipartisan effort to protect Michigan’s vulnerable and elderly adults. This bill is part of a larger package spearheaded by Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Elder Abuse Task Force, which I am grateful to be a part of. My bill would amend the following:
- Allow a court, under certain circumstances, to set a trial date in a guardianship proceeding at the initial hearing.
- Revise the information to be provided in a report by a physician or mental health professional who conducted a physical or mental health evaluation of an allegedly incapacitated individual.
- Prescribe the conditions under which a court could dismiss or stay a guardianship proceeding.
- Remove and replace provisions regarding the appointment of an emergency guardian.
- Declare that a conservator has the duty to take steps to ensure an adult subject of a conservatorship attends any hearing concerning the conservatorship if the individual wishes to attend.
House Bills 4900 & 4901
I am happy to report that my bills, HB 4900 and 4901, were passed unanimously by the House and transmitted to the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, where they await a hearing. These bills are part of a bipartisan bill package with state Rep. Graham Filler and would adjust various financial thresholds to address the effect of inflation on a variety of probate matters. In many cases, these adjustments will make it easier for the public to complete asset transfers without involving the court system.
House Bill 4646: Neighbor Enterprise Zone Act (NEZ)
HB 4646, which amends the Neighbor Enterprise Zone Act, was recently reported from the House Committee on Local Government and Municipal Finance and now awaits a vote before the entire House. The Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Act provides for property tax abatements to encourage the development and rehabilitation of residential housing in areas designated by local governmental units (eligible cities, villages and townships).
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House Bill 4800: Uniform Assignment of Rents (UAR)
Last week, my bill, HB 4800, which is part of a bipartisan package, passed the Senate unanimously and was signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. This bill would amend the Chapter 32 (Foreclosure of Mortgages by Advertisement) of the Revised Judicature Act (RJA) to specify that, for the purposes of foreclosure by advertisement, an action or proceeding under the Michigan Uniform Assignment of Rents Act to enforce an assignment of rents would not be an action or proceeding to recover debt.
COVID-19 Updates & Resources
COVID-19 Vaccine Help
If you know someone who doesn’t have access to the internet and they’re eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine or need help with vaccine translation services, call 2-1-1 and press ‘5’ for free, confidential assistance.
For more information on COVID-19 vaccines specifically in Oakland County, visit this website. This website also has resources for testing and frequently asked questions about COVID-19.
Other News
CERA Portal Closing Update
Please note, the COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) application portal will be closing on June 30 at 9 p.m. Once the application portal is closed, applications can no longer be submitted. Applications completed and submitted by that date will continue to be processed after June 30, until all of the financial assistance funds are spent. There may be more applications submitted than funds available, so submitting an application before June 30 does not guarantee that it will be able to be processed.
Important Dates
Independence Day
On July 4, 1776, our founders signed the Declaration of Independence, beginning the struggle for independence and heralding the end of British colonial rule. Every year since then, we celebrate the values on which our country was founded: freedom, the pursuit of happiness and equality for all. We must also acknowledge that these freedoms were not available to all Americans, and it took decades for women and minorities to enjoy the rights and values written in the Declaration. On this day, let us celebrate our freedom and independence, as well as reflect on our country’s history, and how we can improve to form a more perfect union.