Bill > SB0605

This bill modifies the Child Protection Law to expand access to confidential child protection records by adding two new categories of individuals who can request these records: state legislators and members of the media. The bill specifically defines media members as news reporters or press photographers with valid press credentials. The legislation maintains the existing strict confidentiality protections for child protection records, which are generally only available to specific authorized entities such as child protective agencies, law enforcement, medical professionals, courts, and research organizations. The bill makes some minor language updates, such as changing gendered pronouns to gender-neutral terms like "themself." The key change is broadening the circle of individuals who can access these sensitive records while still maintaining significant restrictions to protect the privacy and safety of children and families involved in child protection cases. The bill aims to increase transparency around child protection processes while attempting to balance the need for confidentiality with public interest in understanding these important child welfare matters.

Justice

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0605