MI HB4535

Court shall issue an opinion or order on parental rights termination petitions within 70 days after the initial hearing commences, though failure to do so does not dismiss the petition.

Expands who may petition for termination of parental rights to include the prosecuting attorney, child, guardian, custodian, concerned person (as defined), agency, or children's ombudsman.

Defines "concerned person" as a foster parent with specific knowledge of grounds for termination under abuse, neglect, or proper care provisions who has contacted the department, prosecutor, child's attorney, and guardian ad litem and confirmed none intend to file.

Court may terminate parental rights at the initial dispositional hearing upon finding clear and convincing evidence of grounds including desertion, physical/sexual abuse, failure to rectify conditions after 182 days, imprisonment, prior sibling terminations, or specific serious crimes.

Takes effect 180 days after enactment (effective September 4, 2010) and is contingent on House Bill 4820 of the 95th Legislature being enacted into law.