EXPAND CHILD PROTECTION DEFINITION

House Bill 4493

Sponsor:  Rep. Klint Kesto

Committee:  Families, Children, and Seniors

Complete to 10-15-13

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4493 AS INTRODUCED 3-21-13

The definition of "child abuse" in the Child Protection Law refers to harm or threatened harm to a child's health and welfare that occurs through nonaccidental physical or mental injury, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or maltreatment by certain listed persons.  Among those are a teacher, a teacher's aide, and a member of the clergy.

House Bill 4493 would add to the list "another person employed in a public or nonpublic school" and "an individual who holds himself out as a member of the clergy."

The same language would be added to the list of those who are required to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect. 

MCL 722.622 & 623

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 4493 could increase costs by a minimum amount to the state Department of Human Services (DHS) and local courts.  DHS could be required to investigate additional complaints of child abuse from the persons who are newly required to report child abuse or neglect, and the local courts could be required to hold additional hearings from these potentially additional complaints.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   E. Best

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Kevin Koorstra

■ 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.