AVAILABILITY OF DHS ASSISTANCE INFORMATION
House Bill 5341
Sponsor: Rep. Thomas B. Hooker
Committee: Families, Children, and Seniors
Complete to 3-11-14
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5341 AS INTRODUCED 2-19-14
Under the Social Welfare Act, applications and records concerning an applicant for or a recipient of aid or relief, except medical assistance, are considered public records and are open to inspection by persons authorized by federal or state government, the Department of Human Services, or officials of the county, city, or district involved, in connection with their official acts. They are also available to the general public as to the names of recipients and the amounts of assistance granted, with certain restrictions.
House Bill 5341 would amend the act to specify that documents, reports, or other records authored by or obtained from another agency or organization could not be released or be open for inspection unless required by other state or federal law, in response to an order issued by a judge, magistrate or other authorized judicial officer. (The term "aid or relief" would be replaced in the act by the term "assistance.")
MCL 400.64
FISCAL IMPACT:
A fiscal analysis is in process.
Fiscal Analyst: Kevin Koorstra
■ 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.