DIVORCE ACTION SOLICITATION S.B. 981 (S-1):
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 981 (Substitute S-1 as reported by the Committee of the Whole)
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Revised Judicature Act to prohibit a person from intentionally contacting an individual whom the person knew to be a party to a divorce action filed with a court, or an immediate family member of that individual, with a direct solicitation to provide a legal service until the expiration of 14 days after the date the proof of service was filed with the court.
A knowing violation of the bill would be a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of $1,000 for a first offense. A second or subsequent violation would be a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year's imprisonment and/or a maximum fine of $5,000.
The bill would take effect 90 days after it was enacted.
Proposed MCL 600.914 Legislative Analyst: Patrick Affholter
FISCAL IMPACT
Under the bill, there could be an increase in the number of misdemeanor violations as individuals were prosecuted for direct solicitation to provide a legal service before the expiration of 14 days after proof of service was filed with the court in a divorce action. The possible increase in misdemeanors could increase the requirements on local court systems and jails. Any associated fine revenue would be provided to public libraries.
Date Completed: 9-30-14 Fiscal Analyst: John Maxwell
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.