S.B. 604: COMMITTEE SUMMARY - CLOSURE OF CHILD PROT. SERV. CASES
Senate Bill 604 (as introduced 6-11-97)
Sponsor: Senator Glenn D. Steil
Committee: Families, Mental Health and Human Services
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Child Protection Law to specify that, if the Family Independence Agency (FIA) and a law enforcement agency investigated the same report of suspected child abuse or neglect and the law enforcement agency terminated its investigation and closed the case because of insufficient evidence to initiate a criminal prosecution, the FIA could not terminate its investigation or close its case based solely on the law enforcement agency's action.
In addition, the Law requires that the FIA refer a report of suspected child abuse or neglect to the prosecuting attorney, within 24 hours after receiving the report, if the report indicates criminal child abuse, involvement in child sexually abusive activity or material, or criminal sexual conduct. Involvement of law enforcement officials, however, does not relieve or prevent the FIA from proceeding with its investigation or treatment if there is reasonable cause to suspect that the child abuse or neglect was committed by a person responsible for the child's health or welfare. The bill specifies that the FIA could not terminate its investigation or close its case based solely on a law enforcement agency's decision to do so because of insufficient evidence to proceed with a criminal prosecution.
MCL 722.623 & 722.628 - Legislative Analyst: P. Affholter
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
- Fiscal Analyst: C. Cole
S9798\S604SA
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.