Updates About People

The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) has selected Laura Hall to rejoin the department as Senior Chief Deputy Director. Hall previously served as DIFS’ Communications Director before becoming Director of Policy, Communications, and Engagement at the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). In her new role, Hall will be responsible for overseeing all department operations and its regulation of the insurance and financial sectors. DIFS Director Anita Fox praised Hall’s return, citing her leadership and public service experience as key assets to the department’s mission of ensuring access to safe and secure financial and insurance services for Michigan residents.

Attorney General Dana Nessel has formally intervened in Consumers Energy’s request to raise electric rates by approximately $436 million, potentially the largest request filed in decades. The proposed hike, submitted to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), would increase electric bills for Michigan residential customers by 13.3% and take effect in May 2026, if approved. In addition to the rate increase, Consumers Energy is also seeking to recoup $24 million in deferred distribution costs through a separate 12-month charge.

The multi-billion dollar company announced the latest hike to electric rates just seven days after the MPSC approved a separate $154 million rate increase that went into effect in April. The Attorney General’s office has stated they will be closely examining the filing to prevent state residents from paying unnecessary costs.

Michigan Court of Claims judge Sima Patel has found that several abortion laws, including a 24-hour waiting period prior to undergoing the procedure, violate the Reproductive Freedom for All constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2022. Other restrictions that she ruled against include requiring patients to receive state-directed counseling and limiting the abortion procedure to be provided only by physicians. Patel determined that these laws imposed unconstitutional burdens on patients seeking care. Under the ruling, physician assistants and nurse practitioners may now offer these services. Judge Patel’s rulings went into effect on May 13th.