CHILD PROTECTION: METH EXPOSURE S.B. 1117: FLOOR ANALYSIS


Senate Bill 1117 (as reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Senator Jud Gilbert, II
Committee: Families and Human Services

CONTENT
The bill would amend the Child Protection Law to require the Department of Human Services (DHS) to refer a central registry case to the prosecuting attorney if it involved a child's exposure to or contact with methamphetamine production,. The bill also would require the prosecuting attorney to review the investigation of the case to determine whether it complied with the protocol adopted as required by Section 8 of the Law.


The Child Protection Law (CPL) requires certain professionals to report to the DHS if they have reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect. The DHS and law enforcement agencies are subject to reporting and investigation requirements under the Law. The CPL also requires the DHS to maintain a statewide, electronic central registry to carry out the intent of the Law.

(The central registry keeps a record of all reports filed with the DHS under the Law in which relevant and accurate evidence of child abuse or neglect is found to exist. "Central registry case" means a child protective services case that the DHS classifies as Category I or Category II. A Category I case is one in which a court petition is required; the child is not safe and a petition for removal is needed; the DHS previously classified the case as Category II and the child's family does not participate in services; or there is a violation of a crime specified in the CPL. In a Category II case, there is a high or intensive risk of future harm to the child.


Section 8 of the CPL requires the prosecuting attorney and the DHS, in each county, to adopt and implement standard child abuse and neglect investigation and interview protocols, as well as procedures for involving law enforcement officials.)


MCL 722.628b Legislative Analyst: Curtis Walker

FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government. The change apparently would codify existing practice of the Department of Human Services.


Date Completed: 3-21-06 Fiscal Analyst: Bill Bowerman 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. sb1117/0506