Dozens of bills signed by Governor Rick Snyder as 2012 came to a close

(WXYZ) - Governor Rick Snyder signed more than 40 bills into law last week. We’re taking a look at a few of them that you may not have previously heard about.

One bill signed into law aims to lower the cost of higher education. It will allow community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees in certain fields.

Several bills affect medical marijuana users and caregivers. They ban people with felonies on their record from being caregivers. Doctors will have to have a closer and continuous relationship with their medical marijuana patients. 

Another bill makes it possible for a commission to set up a wolf hunting season in Michigan if it is deemed necessary. 

Melvin “Butch” Hollowell, General Counsel for the NAACP and the state’s former insurance consumer advocate voiced concerns about a bill that aims to clarify how insurance rates can be set.

“Consumers took it to the chin in this lame duck session,” said Hollowell.

Governor Rick Snyder’s office sent out a release saying the legislation clarified what factors insurance companies can take into consideration when setting premiums.

Hollowell says the legislation makes it easier for insurers to pass on inspecting your property, and to instead consider statistics when setting your premiums.

“They can decide to deny a claim without looking at the home.”

The 7 Action News team contacted several in the insurance industry. They say their industry is still reviewing this  recently passed legislation and deciding how to move forward.

To see more about what the governor has to say about bills signed go to Michigan.gov/gov .