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SB 29

Records: death; commission to investigate racial disparities related to maternal health; create. Amends secs. 2227, 2617, 2617a & 2618 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.2227 et seq.) & adds sec. 2617b. TIE BAR WITH: SB 30'25, SB 32'25

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Erika Geiss

Michigan establishes a commission to investigate and analyze racial disparities in maternal health outcomes through amended death records and health department statutes.

referred to Committee on Health Policy
#records:death #stateagencies(existing):healthandhumanservices #women:other
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Bill Summary · SB 29

Legislative bill overview

SB 29 establishes a commission to investigate racial disparities in maternal health outcomes in Michigan and amends existing public health law to support this investigation. The bill modifies death records provisions and related health department statutes to facilitate data collection and analysis on maternal mortality and morbidity across racial groups.

Why is this important

Maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity in the United States show significant racial disparities, with Black women experiencing disproportionately higher rates. Creating a dedicated investigative commission allows Michigan to systematically examine causes of these disparities, which is a necessary first step toward developing targeted interventions and policy solutions specific to the state's population.

Potential points of contention

  • Data access and privacy: Amending death records provisions raises questions about how sensitive health data will be collected, protected, and who can access it while maintaining patient privacy
  • Commission scope and authority: Unclear whether the commission will have enforcement power or only investigative/advisory capacity, and whether findings will lead to mandated policy changes
  • Resource allocation: Creating a new commission requires funding and staff; debate may arise over whether existing resources should be redirected or new funding appropriated
  • Tie-bar dependencies: The bill is tied to SB 30 and SB 32, meaning all three must pass together, which could complicate passage if disagreement exists on related provisions

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

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