CHILD PROTECTION RECORDS: ELIMINATE CONFIDENTIALITY UPON DEATH
House Bill 5966
Sponsor: Rep. Paul DeWeese
Committee: Family and Children Services
Complete to 4-26-02
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5966 AS INTRODUCED 4-25-02
Under the Child Protection Law (1975 P.A. 238), the identity of individuals reporting suspected cases of child abuse or neglect; written reports, documents, and photographs filed with the Family Independence Agency (FIA) pursuant to the act; and reports entered into the Child Protective Service Information (CPSI) system are confidential, unless made public as specified under the act.
The bill would specify that an FIA record pertaining to a child who is subject to a report or record made pursuant to act would become a public record upon the child's death, and would be subject to the Freedom of Information Act (1976 P.A. 442). However, the identity of a person reporting a suspected case of child abuse or neglect, unless disclosed at the consent of the person or through judicial process, would remain confidential. In addition, any report compiled by a law enforcement agency that pertains to an active investigation of suspected child abuse or neglect would remain confidential.
MCL 722.625, 722.627, and 722.628
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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.