The bill amends Michigan's Child Protection Law by updating definitions and reporting requirements related to child abuse and neglect. Notable insertions include the terms "sexual extortion" and "the department of lifelong education, potential, and advancement," which broaden the scope of child protection definitions. The bill emphasizes the responsibilities of professionals, such as healthcare providers and educators, in reporting suspected abuse or neglect, highlighting the importance of timely reporting through an online system. It also specifies that reports must include detailed information about the child and the circumstances of the abuse, and allows the department to share information with children's advocacy centers and law enforcement in serious cases.

Additionally, the bill establishes a statewide electronic case management system to track serious abuse and neglect cases, including provisions for individuals on the central registry to request expungement of their names under certain conditions. It allows the department to involve children's advocacy centers in investigations when available and mandates notification of individuals involved in investigations about their rights and outcomes. The bill also clarifies the roles of the department and law enforcement in investigations, promotes cooperation with schools, and outlines processes for amending records and notifying noncustodial parents about custody changes in suspected abuse cases. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance child protection efforts and streamline reporting and investigation processes.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 722.622