Michigan House Bill HB5024

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/18/25
• Refer: 9/18/25

Caption

Crimes: prostitution; references to prostitution; modify in the child protection law. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5016'25

Impact

If passed, HB5024 would likely streamline the reporting and management processes associated with child protection. By reinforcing the definitions of child abuse and neglect, the bill aims at enhancing clarity for legal practitioners and caregivers alike. It solidifies the use of an electronic case management system, which can aid in the efficient processing of reports concerning child welfare. However, there is potential for contention regarding the implications of such changes on existing frameworks, as stakeholders may view these amendments either as necessary improvements or as overreach that may constrain local authority in child welfare cases.

Summary

House Bill 5024 aims to amend the existing Child Protection Law (1975 PA 238) in order to better address issues related to child abuse and neglect. The bill introduces specific definitions related to the responsibilities of adult foster care locations that are authorized to care for children. It outlines what constitutes child abuse and neglect, specifying the roles of caregivers, legal advocates for children, and the procedures involved in reporting and managing such cases. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining a central registry for tracking individuals in confirmed cases of child abuse or neglect, thus enabling a more effective oversight system within the state of Michigan's child welfare framework.

Contention

Notably, the bill ties its enactment to House Bill No. 5016, creating a link that could lead to debates regarding the interconnected nature of child protection laws and the potential pitfalls of legislative dependencies. Critics of the bill could argue that such dependencies may complicate the legislative process. Furthermore, there are concerns about the management of the central registry, especially regarding data privacy and the implications of having a centralized system for tracking abuse cases, which could affect how such sensitive information is handled across the state.