Bill > HB5438

This bill amends Michigan's Public Health Code to provide a fee waiver for vital records (official documents like birth and death certificates) for individuals in specific vulnerable situations. The bill creates two pathways for obtaining a free certified copy of a vital record: first, for individuals who are fleeing or attempting to flee a dangerous situation, which is defined as involving domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, and who have no housing and lack resources for permanent housing; and second, for individuals experiencing homelessness who can provide a homeless verification letter from a public service agency and a photo identification card from the Housing and Urban Development homeless management information system. In both cases, individuals must still provide necessary identification information to the state registrar. The bill modifies existing fee structures for vital record searches and copies, specifying that for these specific vulnerable populations, the state registrar must conduct a search and provide one certified copy without charge, helping to reduce barriers for individuals in difficult circumstances who may need official documentation but lack financial resources.

Justice

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-5438