REPORT OF DHS INVESTIGATION S.B. 273: FLOOR ANALYSIS
Senate Bill 273 (as reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Senator Bill Hardiman
Committee: Families and Human Services
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Child Protection Law to require the Department of Human Services (DHS), within 24 hours after receiving a report of suspected child abuse or neglect involving certain violations, to notify the local law enforcement agency as well as the prosecuting attorney (as is currently required); and to extend that requirement to other reports involving a child's death, sexual abuse or exploitation, or severe physical injury.
Under the Law, within 24 hours after receiving a report, the DHS must refer it to the prosecuting attorney or commence an investigation if the report indicates that a violation involving child abuse, child sexually abusive activity or material, criminal sexual conduct (CSC) or attempted CSC, or an illegal drug lab violation involving methamphetamine, has occurred; if there is an indication that the suspected child abuse or neglect was committed by an individual who is not responsible for the child's health or welfare; or if the DHS suspects that a child has been exposed to or had contact with methamphetamine production.
The bill would require the DHS to notify the local law enforcement agency as well as the prosecuting attorney under those circumstances, and would require the same response if a report indicated that abuse or neglect was the suspected cause of a child's death, the child was the victim of suspected sexual abuse or exploitation, or the child was the victim of abuse or neglect resulting in severe physical injury that required medical treatment or hospitalization and that seriously impaired the child's health or physical well-being.
MCL 722.628 Legislative Analyst: Curtis Walker
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Date Completed: 2-28-07 Fiscal Analyst: Constance Cole
Analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. sb273/0708