Bill > SB0736

This bill amends Michigan's child abuse statute by modifying several key definitions and provisions. The bill changes the definition of "child" from "a person" to "an individual" under 18 who is not legally emancipated, and adds a new subsection (13) that explicitly excludes situations where a child is allowed to engage in independent activities as defined by the child protection law. The bill maintains the existing four-tier structure of child abuse offenses, ranging from fourth-degree (a misdemeanor) to first-degree (punishable by potential life imprisonment), which are distinguished by the severity and intent of harm caused to a child. The definitions of key terms like "serious physical harm" and "serious mental harm" remain unchanged, continuing to include specific types of injuries that significantly impair a child's health or mental well-being. The bill also preserves existing provisions that allow reasonable discipline by parents or guardians and provides an affirmative defense for actions taken in response to domestic violence. Notably, the bill is tied to another legislative measure (Senate Bill 735) and will only take effect if that companion bill is also enacted into law.

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https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0736