House Advances Mental Health Reform Plan

by orionontv | Mar 19, 2026 | News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2026

House advances mental health reform plan focused on early intervention and treatment access

State Reps. Donni Steele, Mark Tisdel and Tom Kuhn today announced House passage of their bill package aimed at modernizing Michigan’s Mental Health Code to better reflect today’s clinical realities and public safety needs.

House Bills 4412, 4413, and 4414 work together to reshape how Michigan approaches mental health care, emphasizing early intervention, family-based mediation options, and more effective pathways to treatment when individuals are struggling.

House Bill 4412, sponsored by Steele, helps ensure individuals experiencing a mental health crisis are evaluated quickly and connected to the care they need. By expanding the mental health workforce and improving coordination between courts and providers, the bill supports more timely, patient-centered care and stronger continuity of treatment.

“This plan is about making sure people in crisis get help sooner, not later,” said Steele (R-Orion Township). “Ultimately, this legislation improves our system’s ability to respond before tragedy occurs.”

House Bill 4413, sponsored by Tisdel, creates a new mediation option to help resolve disputes over care, giving patients and families a quicker, less burdensome alternative to going to court.

“Navigating the mental health system is already difficult for families,” said Tisdel, R-Rochester Hills. “This bill improves the two-party participation process by allowing both the patient and the therapist to raise concerns when treatment isn’t working, helping ensure communication stays open and care can be adjusted sooner.”

House Bill 4414, sponsored by Kuhn, establishes a structured diversion pathway allowing certain misdemeanor defendants to receive court-ordered assisted outpatient treatment when mental illness is a contributing factor.

“Too often, people struggling with untreated mental illness end up cycling through the criminal justice system when what they really need is treatment,” said Kuhn, R-Troy. “This bill creates a clear pathway for courts to divert certain misdemeanor cases into assisted outpatient treatment so individuals can get help while still ensuring accountability and public safety.”

These reforms create a more proactive and coordinated approach to mental health care by prioritizing early intervention, strengthening communication, creating new mediation options, and ensuring treatment is accessible before situations escalate.

The bills now advance to the Senate for further consideration.

All ways, moving forward with David Coulter

by orionontv | Mar 19, 2026 | News

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. March 18, 2026 Bi-Weekly Executive Newsletter Temple Israel Director of Security Danny Phillips was injured while trying to stop the attack. Dear Friends, Once again, the resilience and kindness of Oakland County were revealed in the wake of yet another senseless tragedy. This time, we came together to support our Jewish friends and neighbors after last week’s attack at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield. Whether it was the Chaldean community opening the doors of the Shenandoah Country Club to shelter children and staff on the day of the attack or the nearby Soul Café restaurant donating pizza and pastries to feed them, Oakland County didn’t hesitate to lend a helping hand. In the midst of destruction and grief, Temple Israel rallied the community to ensure a bat mitzvah planned at their location could continue at a different synagogue the next day. And in another show of support, more than $200,000 was collected to provide meals and gifts to security, staff, educators and officers who assisted in the incident. I continue to be proud of the more than 600 first responders who were at the scene because I know it is a team effort keeping our residents safe. In this case, it was our Oakland County team, supporting the quick action of the West Bloomfield Police Department and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, as well as the FBI, the Michigan State Police, and emergency responders from neighboring communities. Tragedies like these affect our families deeply – in this situation, the Jewish community first and foremost. And there was a ripple effect that expanded beyond the Jewish community, as neighboring schools and local residents sheltered in place. Oakland County continues to hold all these communities close, providing resources and assistance for anyone struggling with difficult emotions stemming from the Temple Israel incident. Do not hesitate to seek help. Our Oakland Cares page has a list of resources. Sadly, nearly 100 antisemitic incidents were reported in our state since 2025, according to the ADL H.E.A.T. Map (Hate, Extremism, Antisemitism, Terrorism). And now, when these incidents happen, if there are people out there who still don’t understand that this is wrong, then we need to say it every day until we get through to them. Hatred of any kind is wrong. No exceptions. It is time to turn the rhetoric down. I don’t know exactly how to get us there. But I’ll stand up every time, insisting that we do. And I know Oakland County will be standing strong together, alongside me. With gratitude, David Coulter Oakland County Executive Know someone who would like to see this newsletter? Click the button.

Weekly Fishing Report: March 18, 2026

by orionontv | Mar 19, 2026 | News

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Weekly Fishing Report – March 18, 2026

Southeast Lower Peninsula  Southwest Lower Peninsula  Northeast Lower Peninsula  Northwest Lower Peninsula  Upper Peninsula  Great Lakes Temperature Map  Weekly Fishing Tip  Daily Streamflow Conditions Check out Michigan’s Trout Trails — biologist-verified trout waters that are often lesser known. This map includes detailed descriptions and photos for each site, as well as information for area lodging, restaurants and guide services to assist with trip planning. In addition, site-specific information such as the trout species available, regulations, stocked or natural reproduction and more is all at your fingertips! All anglers ages 17 and older are required to have a fishing license to fish public waters in Michigan. Buy your license ► Southeast Lower Peninsula Tittabawassee River: The river is now closed to walleye harvest until April 25. Eastern Saginaw Bay: The river and cuts along the east side of the bay were slightly high and muddy. A few anglers targeted yellow perch with not much to show for their efforts. Lower Saginaw Bay: No report. Saginaw River: Due to significant rain and snowfall, the Saginaw River is running fast and dirty.  Lake Huron: The ice had disappeared from the harbors and the St. Clair River. A small amount of fishing activity had begun along the boardwalk from the Blue Water Bridge to Pine Grove Park the past weekend, with a couple of coho salmon and steelhead caught with artificial lures. A few boats launched from the Marysville access site and fished the Canadian side near the Blue Water Bridge, catching walleye and a couple of coho salmon while jigging with natural bait. Back to top Southwest Lower Peninsula South Haven: The weather conditions were very poor. High wave and wind conditions kept all boats off the lake. Pier fishing was also challenging, The piers were closed for all access most of the week. Anglers reported a couple of steelhead and a coho salmon or two caught. Those fish were caught by anglers using spawn. St. Joeseph: The weather was very poor. High wave conditions kept all boats off the lake. Anglers reported catching good numbers of coho salmon on spawn. A few brown trout, steelhead and occasional whitefish was also caught. St. Joseph River: The river was very dirty and water levels were very high. The conditions kept fishing pressure low and made catching fish challenging. Muskegon: When the weather allowed, pier anglers found steelhead and brown trout action to be slow. A few were caught using fresh spawn. Snug Harbor boat launch has one dock in the water. Grand Haven: Poor weather conditions prevented most anglers from getting out. A few pier anglers made it out and found the action to be slow. A few steelhead were caught using spawn. Water clarity near the piers was poor due to the recent rains. Harbor Island boat launch has one dock in the water. Black River: The river was very dirty with all the recent snow and rain. Fishing pressure was very low. Back to top Northeast Lower Peninsula Tawas/Au Gres: A few boat anglers were able to get out and picked up a handful of walleye and a couple lake trout heading south. Anglers tried the pier in the evenings, but it was slow overall. There was not much angler effort between Au Gres and Standish. Oscoda/Au Sable: Anglers fishing the pier experienced slow fishing this week. A couple coho were caught casting gold and orange spoons. Those fishing the river are found a few steelhead along with a few Atlantic salmon. Anglers bottom bounced spawn in deeper runs and fished dime sizes spawn bags or 8mm-10mm beads under a float. Atlantic salmon were caught on spawn bags. However, hair jigs seemed to produce a few more bites this week. Thunder Bay River: With the recent runoff, the river flowed high and fast. Fishing was reported as slow, with only a few steelhead, Atlantic salmon, and occasional coho salmon being caught. Some success was found near the 9th Street Dam while drifting jigs with wax worms and beads. Several Atlantic salmon were caught below the 9th Street Bridge while drifting jigs and casting smaller spoons. Orange and gold were the most productive colors throughout the day. Alpena: No fishing activity was observed. The river launch was snowed in, preventing boats from launching. Back to top Northwest Lower Peninsula Manistee: Pier anglers reported hit or miss fishing. Steelhead and a few brown trout were caught while using spawn from the Lake Michigan side of the piers. Ice remained so anglers were advised to use caution. No boat activity to report. Ludington: Poor weather conditions limited most fishing activity. The docks at Loomis St. were not in, but the ramp had open water. Frankfort/Lake Michigan: Warmer weather and rain cleared the bay and break walls of ice. The boat launch was cleared but the docks are not in place yet. Pier anglers reported steelhead and brown trout hitting on spawn off the north pier when the weather permitted. Back to top Upper Peninsula Little Bay de Noc: Anglers reported fair walleye fishing during the week of the walleye season close. Anglers used set lines with treble hooks or small spoons baited with live minnows. They also jigged gliding baits and spoons. Anglers reported fair to slow perch fishing. Weather conditions included heavy snowfall, which made travel on the ice difficult. Les Cheneaux Islands: Last week, anglers caught a few perch and cisco in Hessel Bay and perch in Urie Bay. With the weather, recent fishing was nearly impossible, and anglers had to dig out their snowmobiles and shanties before even considering heading back onto the ice. Munising: The coho salmon bite was good for anglers this past week. Anglers targeting perch reported good numbers. The whitefish bite was tough but was picking up for some anglers. Burbot and smelt were also reported by anglers pursuing them at night. Popular baits included eggs and minnows. Back to top Fishing tip: Fishing the Detroit River Many anglers have their go-to spots for springtime fishing, but what about checking out the Detroit River? According to many, in late March and early April the lower Detroit River is a great location to catch walleye in decent quantities. As April moves, on fish move further upriver, but the opportunities are still bountiful. The Lake Erie-Detroit River-Lake St. Clair-St. Clair River system draws anglers from across the country in spring and early summer — will you be joining them? For more information for fishing for Detroit River walleye, go to Michigan.gov/DNR/GetOutdoors/DetroitRiver.

Michigan Treasury Releases Guidance on New 24% Wholesale Marijuana Tax

by orionontv | Mar 18, 2026 | News

**March 17, 2026*

Michigan Treasury Releases Guidance on New 24% Wholesale Marijuana Tax  https://www.michigan.gov/treasury/news/2026/03/17/michigan-treasury-releases-guidance

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Treasury today released new guidance [ https://www.michigan.gov/taxes/rep-legal/rab/2026-revenue-administrative-bulletins/revenue-administrative-bulletin-2026-3 ] that explains how the state’s new 24 percent Wholesale Marijuana Tax works and what cannabis businesses need to know as quarterly payments begin this year.

The tax—which took effect Jan. 1, 2026—applies to the first sale or transfer of adult‑use marijuana from a licensed marijuana establishment to a marijuana retail licensee. Treasury’s Revenue Administrative Bulletin outlines who must pay the tax, how it must be calculated and when the tax is due.

“We know this is the first year of a new tax, and we want to help businesses adjust smoothly as we implement this policy,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “As a transition‑year measure, Treasury is providing relief from penalties and interest for businesses that make good‑faith quarterly payments. The guidance outlines what businesses need to do, and we encourage everyone to begin reporting and making their quarterly payments starting with the first period ending March 31.”

Under the law, the wholesaler—the business making the first sale or transfer to a retailer—is responsible for paying the tax. This includes growers, processors, seed‑to‑sale microbusinesses that package their own products for retail and medical provisioning centers that transfer product to their adult‑use license.

A taxable sale occurs when ownership of cannabis transfers to the retailer. This may be based on the businesses’ contract or standard business practices.

The bulletin offers clear examples to help businesses understand what to do if products are returned, do not meet standards, are repackaged or are transferred between related companies.

“Feedback from our marijuana industry partners played an important role in shaping this guidance,” State Treasurer Eubanks said. “We appreciate their involvement and collaboration throughout the process.”

*How is the tax calculated? *

If two businesses are not related, the tax is based on the actual price the retailer pays for the marijuana product.

But if the businesses are related—or the company grows and sells its own product—Treasury uses a standard “average wholesale price list” that is updated every quarter. Because these prices may change every three months, it is important for cannabis businesses to report and pay on time.

Quarterly wholesale prices are posted on Treasury’s Wholesale Marijuana Tax webpage [ https://www.michigan.gov/taxes/business-taxes/wholesale-marihuana-tax ].

*When must payment be made?*

For tax year 2026, Treasury will require good-faith quarterly Wholesale Marijuana Tax payments.

Businesses are expected to begin making quarterly payments based on their activity for each quarter. Payments for 2026 will be due April 20, July 20 and October 20. A full set of quarterly tax returns for all of 2026 will then be due on Jan. 20, 2027, along with any remaining tax owed for the first three quarters and the full amount owed for the fourth quarter.

Because this is a transition year, Treasury will waive penalties and interest for the first three quarters of 2026 if a business pays at least 75 percent of what it ultimately owes for each quarter and files all required 2026 returns with full payment by Jan. 20, 2027.

Beginning in 2027, quarterly tax returns and full payment will be due each quarter.

Businesses can read the full Revenue Administrative Bulletin [ https://www.michigan.gov/taxes/rep-legal/rab/2026-revenue-administrative-bulletins/revenue-administrative-bulletin-2026-3 ] and find quarterly payment information at Michigan.gov/Taxes [ https://www.michigan.gov/taxes ] under “Business Tax.”

While this message highlights key points, the Revenue Administrative Bulletin [ https://www.michigan.gov/taxes/rep-legal/rab/2026-revenue-administrative-bulletins/revenue-administrative-bulletin-2026-3 ] contains Treasury’s official guidance. We encourage all taxpayers to review it carefully.

Under state law, revenue from the Wholesale Marijuana Tax will be used to fix roads and bridges.