Bill > HB4844

This bill amends Michigan's juvenile court jurisdiction law to expand and clarify the circumstances under which a court can have legal authority over cases involving minors under 18 years old. The bill makes several key changes, including minor linguistic updates like replacing gendered pronouns with more neutral language (e.g., changing "his or her" to "the juvenile's"), and adds a new provision under subsection (b)(7) that gives courts jurisdiction in cases where a parent has lost or voluntarily given up custody of a child and a petition is filed to terminate parental rights. The bill maintains the court's existing broad authority to intervene in situations involving juvenile delinquency, dependency, neglect, and other circumstances that might endanger a minor's well-being. This includes scenarios such as repeated school absence, running away from home, criminal behavior, exposure to harmful environments, or situations where parents have failed to provide proper care or support. The legislation preserves the court's ability to take protective action, establish prevention programs, and handle various types of juvenile-related legal proceedings, with a focus on the best interests of the child.

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https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4844