Bill > HB5163

This bill amends the Child Protection Law by modifying several definitions and adding important nuances to the understanding of child neglect. The most significant change involves expanding the definition of child neglect to explicitly state that a parent or guardian's refusal of a recommended medical treatment plan does not automatically constitute child neglect, provided they are seeking a second opinion, following an alternative recommendation from another health professional, or pursuing a different treatment plan. The bill clarifies that such decisions are prima facie evidence against a finding of child neglect, unless there is clear and convincing evidence that immediate refusal of the initial treatment plan would result in imminent harm to the child. Additionally, the bill makes several technical changes to definitions, such as revising how a "child" is defined (changing from "under 18" to "less than 18"), updating terminology around sexual abuse and exploitation definitions, and adding new defined terms like "health professional." The bill, which may be known as "Serenity's Law," aims to provide more precise language around child protection and parental medical decision-making, potentially offering parents more discretion in medical treatment choices without automatically triggering child neglect investigations.

Military Affairs and Security

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-5163