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HB 5724

Children: services; residential treatment plans; require the department to observe. Amends 1939 PA 288 (MCL 710.21 - 712B.41) by adding sec. 18u to ch. XIIA.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gina Johnsen and 2 co-sponsors

HB 5724 requires DHHS to place a child in a residential treatment program within 14 days of referral when part of a court-ordered treatment plan.

referred to second reading
#children:services #stateagencies(existing):healthandhumanservices
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Bill Summary · HB 5724

Overview

House Bill 5724 (2025-2026) from Michigan would amend the Probate Code (Juvenile portions, Chapter XIIA) to set a timeline for placement of children referred to residential treatment programs as part of a court-ordered treatment plan. The bill adds new Section 18u and directs the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to ensure placement occurs within 14 days after referral.

Purpose and intent

  • To ensure timely placement of children into residential treatment programs when such placement is part of a court-ordered treatment plan.
  • Aims to reduce delays in accessing residential treatment services for children in need and to provide a clearer, enforceable deadline for DHHS to act upon referrals.

Key provisions

  • Enacts new MCL 712A.18u in Chapter XIIA of the Probate Code (1939 PA 288).
  • Requirement: If a court-ordered treatment plan includes referring a child to a residential treatment program, DHHS must ensure the child is placed in a residential treatment program no later than 14 days after the referral is made.
  • Scope: Applies specifically to residential treatment placements that are part of a court-ordered treatment plan for a child.

Who would be affected

  • Primary: Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and, by extension, local child welfare and juvenile services entities involved in processing residential treatment referrals.
  • Children subject to court-ordered treatment plans that designate residential treatment placements.
  • Potentially agencies and providers operating residential treatment programs that accept referrals under court orders.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Timeline: A rigid 14-day window from the date of referral for placement into a residential treatment program.
  • Compliance obligation: DHHS is charged with ensuring placement occurs within the 14-day period; failure to meet this timeline could raise questions about compliance with the statute.
  • Administrative structure: The bill relies on DHHS to manage scheduling, placement, and coordination with residential treatment providers to meet the deadline.

Fiscal impact

  • The House Fiscal Agency analysis indicates no significant fiscal impact on DHHS or local units of government.
  • No explicit funding changes or new costs are outlined beyond current operations, though implementing the 14-day requirement could affect workload and coordination efforts.

Status and procedural notes

  • Introduced: March 17, 2026, by Rep. Luke Meerman (co-sponsors: Reps. Doug Wozniak and Gina Johnsen).
  • Committee: Families and Veterans.
  • Recently actioned: Referred to committee; status shows active consideration in 2026.
  • Legislative analysis: Provided by the nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency (no official statement of intent beyond the analysis).

Summary

HB 5724 seeks to codify a 14-day placement deadline for children referred to residential treatment programs as part of court-ordered treatment plans, placing this responsibility on DHHS. The intended effect is to minimize delays in access to residential treatment services for children, with a straightforward procedural timeline and no identified significant fiscal impact.

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

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