As 2016 begins on Friday, we want to tell you about some of the new laws that are taking effect in the coming days and weeks of 2016.
— Let drivers pulled over by police show proof of their auto insurance on a phone or another mobile device instead of having to provide a hard copy.
— Authorize local health departments to not inspect proposed temporary food establishments such as concession stands that serve only "low-risk" food like precooked hotdogs, popcorn and ice cream. Health officials could instead do an in-office consultation and operational review.
— Revise rules so veterans and others with service animals can visit restaurants and other public accommodations without being turned away — except in limited circumstances. The state will offer voluntary IDs, tags and vests for service animals. It also must receive reports from people who encounter problems using a service animal or who suspect others of falsely saying they have a service animal, and can refer violations to law enforcement.
— Require police to adhere to new reporting requirements about their seizure of people's property and make prosecutors meet a higher standard of evidence in civil court before taking ownership of assets they suspect are tied to crimes, even when no charges are filed or convictions are obtained.
— Let people caring for the disabled open tax-exempt savings accounts to pay for the long-term needs of those they care for, including housing and transportation. Another measure will raise the maximum account balance in Michigan's 529 college savings plan from $235,000 to $500,000.
— Ban a powder product that makes vodka, rum and other alcoholic drinks when mixed with water.
— Require the state police to notify the public about a search for any person suspected of injuring or killing a police officer. The Blue Alerts will function like Amber Alerts that help find missing children.
