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HB 4531

Children: protection; continuing education for mandated reporters in child abuse and neglect detection; require. Amends sec. 9 of 1975 PA 238 (MCL 722.629). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4530'25

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Noah Arbit and 17 co-sponsors

HB 4531 requires DHHS-developed training for all mandated child abuse reporters every 3 years, plus ongoing DHHS education and public information.

bill electronically reproduced 06/03/2025
#children:childabuseorchildneglect #children:protection #children:services #stateagencies(existing):healthandhumanservices
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Bill Summary · HB 4531

Summary — HB 4531 (Introduced June 3, 2025)

Amends: 1975 PA 238 (Child Protection Law), section 9 (MCL 722.629)
Primary sponsor: Rep. Angela Rigas
Committee: Families and Veterans

Purpose

HB 4531 requires periodic, DHHS‑developed training for all mandated reporters of child abuse and child neglect and clarifies the department’s continuing education responsibilities. The bill is tie‑barred to HB 4530 (which shortens the timeframe for mental health record production in child abuse/neglect investigations); neither bill takes effect unless both are enacted.

Key provisions

  • Amends section 9 of the Child Protection Law (MCL 722.629) to:
    • Require the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to “ensure” a continuing education program for department, probate court, and private agency personnel on responsibilities under the act and on diagnosis/treatment of child abuse/neglect.
    • Require DHHS to disseminate public information on child abuse/neglect prevention and treatment.
    • Require that all individuals required to report child abuse or neglect under section 3 complete, once every 3 years, training developed by DHHS on:
    • Recognizing child abuse and child neglect, and
    • Mandated reporting obligations.
  • Tie‑bar: HB 4531 does not become effective unless HB 4530 (or companion SB 1734) also becomes law. HB 4530 would amend the Mental Health Code to require mental health professionals to release relevant mental health records to DHHS investigators within 7 days of a request (current law: 14 days).

Who is affected

  • Mandated reporters defined under section 3 of the Child Protection Law (examples commonly include teachers, health care providers, social workers, law enforcement, and others required by statute to report suspected abuse/neglect).
  • DHHS (responsible for developing, providing, and disseminating training and public information).
  • Local DHHS offices and private agencies that currently provide or host training.
  • Indirectly affects children and families through enhanced reporter education and faster records access (per HB 4530).

Fiscal impact

  • House Fiscal Agency estimates a likely minimal fiscal impact on DHHS and local units. DHHS already provides training materials and some local training; increased costs would depend on expanding course offerings and administration.
  • HB 4530 (records release) has a negligible fiscal impact; community mental health services programs would have to respond faster to record requests.

Procedural/status highlights

  • Introduced: March 12, 2025 (filed); introduced in House June 3, 2025.
  • Referred to Committee on Families and Veterans.
  • Committee actions on related measures noted (public hearings, favorable report without amendment).
  • Enacting section: bill only takes effect if HB 4530 or companion SB 1734 is enacted.

Sponsors and related bills

Primary sponsor: Rep. Angela Rigas. Multiple cosponsors listed. Related/companion: HB 4530 (tie‑bar); SB 1734 (companion).

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

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