MINORS WHO ARE VICTIMS OF ABUSE OR SEX

CRIMES:  EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE UNDER FOIA

House Bill 6101

Sponsor:  Rep. Tom McMillin

Committee:  Judiciary

Complete to 5-18-10

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 6101 AS INTRODUCED 4-29-10

The Freedom of Information Act allows a public body to exempt from disclosure certain information and documents from disclosure, including information of a personal nature if public disclosure of that information would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of an individual's privacy.  House Bill 6101 would amend the act to also allow a public body to exempt from disclosure certain information contained in a record pertaining to a crime of child abuse, criminal sexual conduct, sexual assault or molestation, or a similar crime if one or more victims are under 18 years of age.  The protected information would include the name and address of any victim; the names and addresses of a victim’s immediate family members or a victim’s relatives who have the same surname as that victim (other than the name and address of the accused); and any other information that would tend to reveal the identity of any victim, including any reference to a victim’s familial or other relationship to the accused.

MCL 15.243

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 6101 would have an indeterminate, but likely negligible, fiscal impact on state and local government.  There may be minor savings associated with not having to provide copies of certain documents under the provision of the bill.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Susan Stutzky

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Ben Gielczyk

■ 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.