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HB 4216

Family law: parenting time; reference to section 7b of the child custody act of 1970 in the probate code of 1939; modify. Amends sec. 60, ch. X of 1939 PA 288 (MCL 710.60). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4217'25

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brad Paquette

HB 4216 adds great grandparenting time to Michigan probate law, letting great grandparents petition for parenting-time orders, but only if HB 4217 also passes.

bill electronically reproduced 03/12/2025
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Bill Summary · HB 4216

Summary of House Bill 4216 (Michigan, 2025)

Overview

HB 4216, introduced March 10, 2025 by Rep. Brad Paquette, would amend the Probate Code of 1939 (Chapter X, Sec. 60) to reference “great grandparenting time” in a manner identical to existing “grandparenting time” provisions. The bill is tied to HB 4217 (the companion measure to define and authorize great grandparenting time) and to HB 4215 (which would amend the Revised Judicature Act to include great grandparenting time orders). The act’s effective date for HB 4216 is contingent on HB 4217 becoming law.

Purpose and intent

  • Extend the availability of parenting-time remedies in state law to great grandparents, defined as the natural or adoptive parent of a child’s grandparent.
  • Align probate-adoption provisions with the Child Custody Act of 1970 by adding a reference to great grandparenting time orders.

Key provisions

  • HB 4216 amends Sec. 60 of Chapter X (MCL 710.60) of the Probate Code of 1939:

    • After adoption, adoptive parents’ rights and duties are recognized similarly to natural parents (as per current law).
    • Subsection (3) explicitly allows filing for grandparenting or great grandparenting time under section 7b of the Child Custody Act of 1970 (MCL 722.27b).
    • This creates a mechanism whereby great grandparents may petition for parenting-time orders, parallel to existing grandparenting provisions.

  • Enacting clause notes the measure does not take effect unless HB 4217 is enacted.

  • The related provisions for 4215 (Revised Judicature Act reference) and 4217 (definition and authorization of great grandparenting time) are tied to this bill, meaning they must be enacted together.

Affected parties

  • Great grandparents (as petitioners for great grandparenting time orders).
  • Grandparents and adoptive families, as the statute’s reference framework is expanded to include great grandparents.
  • Courts, including local circuit courts and “Friends of the Court,” which could experience changes in caseloads.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Introduced March 10, 2025; electronically reproduced March 12, 2025; referred to the Committee on Families and Veterans.
  • HB 4216 cannot take effect unless HB 4217 is enacted into law (tie-bar arrangement).
  • Related legislation: SB 808 (companion in the Senate).

Fiscal impact

  • House Fiscal Agency notes there would be no new state-level fiscal impact, but local jurisdictions could experience increased costs and caseloads due to more petitioners (great grandparents) seeking parenting-time orders.
  • Overall impact on local court systems is indeterminate and depends on how caseloads and administrative costs are affected.

Summary

HB 4216 seeks to integrate great grandparenting time into Michigan’s probate framework by referencing it alongside grandparenting time, contingent on the passage of HB 4217 (which defines and authorizes great grandparenting time). It would broaden who may petition for parenting-time orders to include great grandparents and align probate law with family-custody provisions, potentially impacting local court workloads without imposing state-level fiscal costs. Companion bills HB 4215, 4216, and 4217 are interdependent and would take effect only if enacted together.

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

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