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HB 4867

Children: health; referral of certain children with elevated blood lead levels to the early on program administered by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential; require. Amends sec. 5474 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.5474).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joey Andrews and 22 co-sponsors

The bill strengthens lead poisoning prevention by mandating referrals of under-3 children with elevated blood lead levels to Early On and clarifying reporting and follow-up duties

bill electronically reproduced 09/11/2025
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Bill Summary · HB 4867

HB 4867 — Summary

Status: House bill introduced March 13, 2025; bill text electronically reproduced Sept 11, 2025.
Subject: Children’s health; lead poisoning prevention; referrals to Early On; reporting and program administration.
Law amended: 1978 PA 368 (Public Health Code), sec. 5474 (MCL 333.5474), as added by 1998 PA 219.
Introduced by: Rep. Karen Whitsett (and cosponsors).

Purpose / Intent

The bill strengthens Michigan’s lead poisoning prevention framework by (1) requiring referral of certain young children with elevated blood lead levels to the state Early On early-intervention program and (2) clarifying reporting and follow-up duties for the state and local health systems. The aim is earlier intervention for affected children and improved program oversight and accountability.

Key provisions

  • Lead prevention program components (continuing statutory requirements):

    • Maintain a coordinated, comprehensive plan to prevent childhood lead poisoning and minimize lead paint hazards.
    • Operate educational and community outreach targeted to health care providers, child care providers, schools, landlords/tenants, and parents; make materials available on request to community groups and legal/tenant organizations.
    • Provide technical assistance for health care providers managing childhood lead poisoning.

  • Test reporting and follow-up:

    • Requires that results of all blood lead tests conducted in the state be reported to the department (as provided by rule).
    • When the department receives notice of an elevated blood lead level above 10 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL), the department must initiate contact with the local public health department, the child’s physician, or both.

  • Mandatory referral to Early On:

    • A local health department or physician who is notified that a child under 3 years of age has an elevated blood lead level must refer that child to the Early On program administered by the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential.

  • Annual reporting and fiscal transparency:

    • Requires annual reporting to the Legislature (timing updated in the bill) on the number of children under 6 screened and confirmed with elevated blood lead levels (>10 µg/dL), comparisons with prior years, and recommendations to improve adherence to CDC guidelines (including suggested legislation or appropriations).
    • Requires an annual written expenditure report on the lead prevention program (amounts, sources for the prior fiscal year, and complete accounting), to be delivered to appropriate legislative committees and made available to the public on request.

Who is affected

  • Children under age 3 with elevated blood lead levels (mandatory referral to Early On).
  • Parents, physicians, and local public health departments (new referral and notification responsibilities).
  • State departments administering public health and Early On services (reporting, follow-up, and fiscal accounting duties).
  • Community groups and providers who use educational materials.

Potential impacts

  • Increased referrals to Early On could promote earlier developmental evaluation and services for lead-exposed infants and toddlers.
  • Additional administrative responsibilities for local health departments and clinicians to ensure referrals and reporting.
  • Greater transparency and data to inform policy, funding, and prevention efforts through annual screening and financial reports.

Procedural notes

  • Amends MCL 333.5474 (Public Health Code).
  • Legislative actions in 2025 included committee hearings and a favorable committee report; referred to House Health Policy on Sept 11, 2025.

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

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