HB 4973 Summary

• Creates the "Child Abuse Offenders Registry Act" to establish a statewide registry of persons convicted of child abuse offenses under Michigan Penal Code section 136b or substantially similar offenses under other jurisdictions' laws.

• Requires the Department of State Police to maintain a computerized law enforcement database containing detailed information on registered offenders including names, addresses, employment, schools, contact information, criminal history, photographs, fingerprints, and DNA status.

• Establishes a separate public Internet website with limited information (name, date of birth, residence, employer, school, conviction summary, physical description, and photograph) accessible to the general public with ability to search by name, location, and geographic area.

• Prohibits public disclosure of sensitive information including victim identities, social security numbers, email addresses, driver license numbers, and arrests without convictions; restricts non-public information disclosure with criminal penalties up to 93 days imprisonment or $1,000 fine for violations.

• Requires local law enforcement to investigate registration failures, seek arrest warrants, notify other jurisdictions and U.S. Marshals Service when registrants abscond or fail to update information; takes effect 90 days after enactment and is contingent on House Bill 4974 also being enacted.