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Michigan Lawmakers Consider Stronger Child Abuse Reporting Protections
Russ Survance
Wed, 01 Jul 2026 08:51:19 EDT
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Michigan lawmakers are weighing legislation that would strengthen the state's child abuse reporting requirements and expand protections for those who come forward.
The Senate proposal would clarify who is legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect and reinforce timelines for making those reports. While Michigan's current list of mandated reporters - including doctors, teachers, child care providers, social workers and law enforcement officers - would remain unchanged, the legislation would also prohibit hospitals, schools and other agencies from retaliating against employees who report suspected abuse or cooperate with investigations.
Under current Michigan law, mandated reporters must immediately notify the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services when they suspect child abuse or neglect, and those who report concerns in good faith are protected from civil and criminal liability. Failing to report suspected abuse can carry both criminal and civil penalties.
The legislation has been referred to the Michigan Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services, where it awaits further consideration.
