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HB 5173

Human services: county services; public records of assistance; modify. Amends sec. 64 of 1939 PA 280 (MCL 400.64).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Noah Arbit and 13 co-sponsors

HB 5173 modifies Michigan county human services public records procedures for assistance programs, affecting privacy and transparency protections with unclear specific impacts pending committee review.

bill electronically reproduced 10/30/2025
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Bill Summary · HB 5173

Legislative bill overview

HB 5173 modifies Michigan's Public Assistance Act (1939 PA 280) regarding how county human services departments handle public records related to assistance programs. The bill amends Section 64, which governs records disclosure and access procedures for welfare and assistance-related documentation. The specific modifications are not detailed in the available legislative summary.

Why is this important

Public records laws affecting assistance programs impact both transparency and privacy—two competing public interests. Changes to how counties manage and disclose assistance records affect vulnerable populations receiving benefits, county administrative operations, and public accountability for government services.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy vs. Transparency: Modifications could either expand or restrict public access to assistance records, creating tension between government transparency advocates and those protecting vulnerable individuals' privacy
  • Administrative Burden: Changes may increase or decrease county workload in managing records requests, affecting implementation costs and service delays
  • Scope Ambiguity: Without knowing the specific amendment details, the bill's actual impact on requesters, recipients, and county operations remains unclear and may generate disagreement during committee review

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

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