CHILD NEGLECT PREVENTION                                                                         S.B. 421:

                                                                                  SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL

                                                                                                         IN COMMITTEE

Senate Bill 421 (as introduced 5-31-17)

Sponsor:  Senator Rick Jones

Committee:  Families, Seniors and Human Services

Date Completed:  6-7-17

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Act to revise the definition of "neglect".

The Act provides for the establishment of the State Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board, which is currently located in the Department of Health and Human Services. The Board's responsibilities include providing for the coordination and exchange of information on the establishment and maintenance of prevention programs (systems that provide direct child abuse and neglect prevention services to children, parents, and guardians); and providing statewide public seminars for the purpose developing awareness regarding the prevention of child abuse and neglect. The Board may authorize the disbursement of available money in the Children's Trust Fund, upon appropriation, to fund organizations in the development or operation of prevention programs; to fund local councils (organizations whose primary purpose is the development and facilitation of a collaborative community prevention program); and to fund the Board's operating expenses.

The Act defines "neglect" as harm to a child's health or welfare by a person responsible for the child's health or welfare which occurs through negligent treatment, including the failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, or medical care.

Under the bill, neglect would occur if the person responsible for a child's health or welfare failed to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, or medical care though financially able to do so or when offered financial or other reasonable means to do so.

The bill would take effect 90 days after the date it was enacted.

MCL 722.602                                                            Legislative Analyst:  Nathan Leaman

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.

                                                                                      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.