CHILD ABUSE REPORT: HUMAN TRAFFICKING                                           H.B. 5239 (H-1):

                                                                                                    SUMMARY OF BILL

                                                                                      REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

House Bill 5239 (Substitute H-1 as reported without amendment)

Sponsor:  Representative Kenneth Kurtz

House Committee:  Criminal Justice

Senate Committee:  Families, Seniors and Human Services

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Child Protection Law to require an allegation or report of suspected child abuse involving certain human trafficking violations to be transmitted to a local law enforcement agency.

The Law requires certain medical professionals, school employees, law enforcement officers, members of the clergy, regulated child care providers, and Department of Human Services (DHS) employees who have reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect to make an oral report to the Department. Within 72 hours of making the oral report, the reporting individual is required to file a written report.

Under the bill, if an allegation, written report, or subsequent investigation of suspected child abuse or child neglect indicated a violation of Section 462a through 462h of the Michigan Penal Code, the DHS would have to transmit a copy of the report or allegation, and the results of any investigation to a law enforcement agency in the county in which the incident occurred. (This is currently required for several other suspected violations.)

(Sections 462a through 462h comprise the majority of the human trafficking offenses listed under Chapter 67A of the Penal Code).

The bill would take effect 90 days after enactment.

MCL 722.623                                                                   Legislative Analyst:  Jeff Mann

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have a minimal fiscal impact on the State and local units of government.

Date Completed:  5-19-14                                                 Fiscal Analyst:  Frances Carley

This 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.