ABUSED, INJURED CHILD CUSTODY H.B. 4420 (S-1): FLOOR ANALYSIS
House Bill 4420 (Substitute S-1 as reported)
Sponsor: Representative Fulton Sheen
House Committee: Family and Children Services
Senate Committee: Families and Human Services
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Child Protection Law (CPL) to specify that, in certain cases involving a child who was severely physically injured or sexually abused, the Department of Human Services (DHS) would not have to submit a petition for authorization by the family court requesting that the court take custody of the child, if the DHS determined that the child's parent or legal guardian did not neglect or fail to protect the child and did not have a history of neglect or failing to protect the child, and that the child was safe in the parent's or legal guardian's care.
The bill also would revise the definition of "severe physical injury" under that provision. The term currently means brain damage, skull or bone fracture, subdural hemorrhage or hematoma, dislocation, sprains, internal injuries, poisoning, burns, scalds, severe cuts, or any other physical injury that seriously impairs the health or physical well-being of a child.
The bill instead would define "severe physical injury" as an injury to the child that requires medical treatment or hospitalization and that seriously impairs the child's health or physical well-being.
MCL 722.628 & 722.637 Legislative Analyst: Curtis Walker
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have an indeterminate fiscal impact on State and local government. Under the bill, the DHS would have to file fewer petitions with the court, which would reduce costs associated with filings.
Date Completed: 12-7-06 Fiscal Analyst: Constance Cole
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. hb4420/0506