Technology

SB 159 empowers the Attorney General to investigate deceptive practices by online ticket sellers, such as hidden fees, false seat availability, or misleading pricing for event tickets. It creates a new legal framework allowing the AG to impose fines and remedies for violations, directly affecting businesses selling event tickets online. Key provisions establish clear procedures for investigations and specify penalty amounts for noncompliance. The law aims to protect consumers from unfair ticket sales tactics without specifying exact financial thresholds or enforcement timelines.

Senate Bill 39 requires Michigan's medical assistance program to provide coverage for remote ultrasound procedures and fetal nonstress tests. This allows patients to receive these services in their residence or other off-site locations through telemedicine. The bill mandates the department to update reimbursement rules for fee-for-service and managed care plans, enabling payment for these remote services using established CPT codes when the same standard of care is met. Reimbursement for these remote services is contingent on using HIPAA-compliant, FDA-approved digital technology for data transmission and FDA-cleared monitoring solutions for at-home use.

SB 24 amends Michigan's Juvenile Diversion Act to allow researchers to access certain juvenile justice records for research purposes, while strictly protecting minors' privacy. It requires researchers to obtain a data use agreement with the state court administrative office, which must include safeguards against public disclosure of personally identifiable information like names, addresses, and Social Security numbers. The bill prohibits using these records for any purpose other than research, with violations punishable by fines or up to 180 days in jail. This directly affects researchers, courts, and the state court administrative office, ensuring research access does not compromise minor confidentiality or interfere with diversion decisions.