BRUZA LAW
Bruza Law specializes in representing small businesses and the individuals who built them. With experience in business litigation, transactions, planning, real estate, probate, family and criminal law, we can effectively assess and manage almost any legal issue.
Having access to affordable and reliable General Counsel can be invaluable. Whether it is a quick question regarding a contract or an issue with an employee, customer, or vendor, getting the answers you need, when you need them can make all the difference. Whether you are just starting out or managing an ongoing operation, access to experienced, affordable legal counsel is crucial to long term business success. Bruza Law provides cost effective representation based on over 35 years of broad-based legal experience that allows focused representation and if necessary scaled by partnering with specialized counsel to aggressively protect your business.”
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Whether you have a family issue, probate issue, criminal issue, real estate or contract issue, Bruza Law can assist you.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Michigan’s New Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA)
and Minimum Wage Law
On February 21, 2025, Michigan witnessed a significant legislative shift with the passing of the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) and the new minimum wage law, both of which went into effect the same day. These changes bring forth notable provisions affecting employees and employers throughout the state.
The Earned Sick Time Act applies to all businesses operating in Michigan, with some key exceptions, for new and small businesses.
Key Provisions of the ESTA
- Eligibility and Accrual: Employees, as defined by the ESTA, accrue one hour of Earned Sick Time for every 30 hours worked. This accrual may be capped at 72 hours per year for standard business.
- Small Business Cap: Employees working for small businesses, defined as those with fewer than 10 employees, accrue leave at the same rate but may be capped at 40 hours of paid leave annually.
- In lieu of accrual, employers may front-load sick leave hours at the beginning of the year to be used immediately.
- There are also certain carryover provisions from year to year as well an option to require new employees to wait 120 days to begin using the earned sick time.
- Exemptions: New businesses are granted a three-year grace period post-formation to comply with the ESTA. Small businesses have until October 1, 2025, to fully comply with the act.
Concurrently, Michigan’s minimum wage saw an immediate increase from $10.56 per hour to $12.48 per hour. This hike is the first step in a series of scheduled increases set for the years 2026 and 2027, with subsequent inflationary adjustments.
Provisions for Tipped Employees
- 2025 Rate: Tipped employees’ minimum wage for 2025 is set at 38% of the standard minimum wage.
- Incremental Increase: This percentage will rise by 2% annually until it reaches 50% by the year 2031.
This is just a summary, and clients should consult with counsel to ensure compliance. Both the ESTA and the new minimum wage law include additional provisions and exceptions that businesses must heed. Notably, there are penalties for certain non-compliance.
New Laws Setting Aside Criminal Convictions
Michigan has significantly expanded the type and number of criminal convictions that can be set aside. Generally, if you have no more than 3 felonies, these may be set aside along with misdemeanor convictions. Additionally, first time drinking and driving offenses now may be set aside. An expungement provides a second chance for those who are working to create a better life. A conviction that is set aside becomes a non-public record, giving individuals access to previously unavailable opportunities. For instance, not having to check yes on any application that asks if you have ever been convicted of a felony. Access to post-secondary education, business loans, occupational licensing, housing, and employment can all be impacted by your criminal record. There are certain time periods and limitations that apply, and it is imperative that you prepare to convince the court to grant your request. Working with an attorney to develop a coordinated strategy to clear as much of your criminal record as possible presents the best opportunity to clear your criminal record.
An attorney is more than an advocate for a client;
They must be willing and able to effectively advise and guide their clients.
This does not always mean winning at all costs. The best results often require patience and a commitment to work towards longer term goals.
Having the experience to assess a broad range of legal issues coupled with access to specialized counsel, provides clients with the most cost effective legal representation.