ADDITIONAL MANDATED CPL REPORTERS H.B. 5659 (S-2):
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
House Bill 5659 (Substitute S-2 as reported)
Sponsor: Representative Beth Griffin
House Committee: Law and Justice
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Child Protection Law to include the following among the individuals who are required to report to the Department of Health and Human Services if they have reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect:
-- A physical therapist, a physical therapist assistant, and an athletic trainer.
-- An individual 18 years of age or older who was paid to conduct or assist in conducting K-12 or postsecondary interscholastic athletic activities, including a coach, an assistant coach, or an athletic trainer.
MCL 722.623 Legislative Analyst: Stephen Jackson
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill could lead to an increase in costs to the Child Protective Services (CPS) unit within the Department of Health and Human Services associated with investigating reports of suspected abuse or neglect made by the individuals who would be required to report under the bill. There could be an uncertain increase in costs to local government if suspected abuse or neglect were committed by a person who was responsible for the health and welfare of the child and were determined to be a criminal violation. Additionally, if the suspected abuse or neglect were committed by someone other than a parent, a legal guardian, or any other person responsible for the child's health or welfare or by a teacher, a teacher's aide, or a member of the clergy, the investigation would be in the jurisdiction of law enforcement rather than CPS. Child Protective Services has a mandate to investigate harm or threatened harm to a child's health or welfare that occurs through nonaccidental physical or mental injury, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or maltreatment. Investigations of abuse or neglect committed by a person other than someone who is responsible for the child's health or welfare could lead to an increase in cost to local government and law enforcement. Administrative costs to the Department also could increase if it required staffing resources to transmit information concerning allegations, written reports, or subsequent investigations of abuse by a licensed medical professional.
Date Completed: 6-7-18 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.