MCI SUPERINTENDENT: GUARDIANSHIP S.B. 891:
FLOOR SUMMARY
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Senate Bill 891 (as reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Senator Mark C. Jansen
Committee: Families and Human Services
CONTENT
The bill would amend Public Act 220 of 1935 (which deals with the Michigan Children's Institute) to authorize the Michigan Children's Institute (MCI) superintendent or his or her designee to consent to the guardianship of a child committed to the MCI.
Currently, the MCI superintendent is authorized to consent to the adoption, marriage, or emancipation of any child who may have been committed to the MCI, according to applicable law. Under the bill, the superintendent's designee would have the same authority. In addition, the superintendent or his or her designee would be authorized to consent to the guardianship of any child who may have been committed to the MCI, as provided in Section 19c of the juvenile code.
A child for whom a guardian was appointed under those provisions would cease to be a ward of the State.
(Section 19c of the juvenile code deals with placement planning for a child following the termination of parental rights. Among other placement options, if the family court determines it is in the child's best interest, the court may appoint a guardian for the child, although it may not do so without the MCI superintendent's written consent. The superintendent must consult with the child's lawyer guardian ad litem when considering whether to grant consent.)
MCL 400.209 Legislative Analyst: Suzanne Lowe
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Date Completed: 11-12-09 Fiscal Analyst: David Fosdick
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. sb891/0910