CHILD PROTECTION: ONLINE REPORTING                                                  S.B. 334 (S-1):

                                                                                                    SUMMARY OF BILL

                                                                                      REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

Senate Bill 334 (Substitute S-1 as reported)

Sponsor:  Senator Judy K. Emmons

Committee:  Families, Seniors and Human Services

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Child Protection Law to do the following:

-- Require the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to implement an online reporting system for the reporting of child abuse and neglect, subject to appropriation.

-- Require a mandated reporter of suspected child abuse or neglect to make an immediate report to centralized intake by telephone or, if available, through the online reporting system (instead of making an oral report, as currently required).

-- Specify that a report made through the online reporting system would be considered a written report, and no additional written report would be required, if the online report contained the information required in a written report.

-- Require written reports to be submitted to centralized intake instead of a county department of human services.

-- Eliminate a requirement that members of the Task Force on the Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Children serve without compensation, or reimbursement of expenses.

The bill would define "online reporting system" as the electronic system established by the DHHS for mandated reporters to report suspected child abuse or child neglect. "Centralized intake" would mean the DHHS's statewide centralized processing center for reports of suspected child abuse and neglect.

The bill would take effect 90 days after its enactment.

MCL 722.622 et al.                                                      Legislative Analyst:  Suzanne Lowe

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would require the Department of Health and Human Services to establish the online reporting system for suspected child abuse or neglect subject to appropriation. The Department has estimated the cost of the reporting system at $2.6 million for start-up. Additionally, there could be ongoing maintenance costs.

The bill also would remove a prohibition on compensation or reimbursement to members of the Task Force on the Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Children.

Date Completed:  10-5-15                                                    Fiscal Analyst:  John Maxwell

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.