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SB 35

Children: child abuse or child neglect; mandatory reporting of certain events at birth of a child; modify. Amends sec. 3a of 1975 PA 238 (MCL 722.623a).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Erika Geiss and 1 co-sponsor

Michigan bill expands mandatory child abuse/neglect reporting requirements at childbirth to identify at-risk infants earlier in the protection system.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HOUSING AND HUMAN SERVICES
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Bill Summary · SB 35

Legislative bill overview

SB 35 amends Michigan's child abuse and neglect reporting law to expand mandatory reporting requirements related to certain events occurring at a child's birth. The bill modifies MCL 722.623a, which establishes who must report suspected child abuse or neglect and under what circumstances. The specific events triggering mandatory reporting at birth are not detailed in the bill summary provided, requiring review of the full text for clarity on what conditions would trigger reporting obligations.

Why is this important

Mandatory reporting laws are critical child protection mechanisms, as they ensure healthcare providers, social workers, and other professionals identify and report potential abuse or neglect early. Expanding these requirements at birth could catch risk factors during a vulnerable period when infants cannot report harm themselves. However, the scope and specificity of what triggers reporting significantly affects both child safety outcomes and how healthcare systems interact with families.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope clarity: Without knowing specific triggering events, stakeholders may debate whether the law casts too wide or too narrow a net—potentially over-reporting situations involving poverty or medical conditions versus under-reporting genuine abuse
  • Healthcare provider burden: Expanding reporting requirements may increase administrative and legal liability concerns for hospitals and birthing centers, potentially affecting healthcare costs and liability insurance
  • False reporting and family separations: Broad mandatory reporting at birth could increase investigations of families experiencing poverty, substance use disorders, or mental health crises, raising concerns about unnecessary family disruption versus legitimate child protection

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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