MI SB0874

Establishes civil liability for persons required to report child abuse or neglect who fail to do so, making them liable for damages proximately caused by the failure.

First offense of knowingly failing to report suspected child abuse or neglect is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days imprisonment or a fine of up to $500.00.

Second offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year imprisonment or a fine of up to $5,000.00.

Third or subsequent offense is a felony punishable by up to 4 years imprisonment or a fine of up to $15,000.00.

Establishes penalties for making intentionally false reports of child abuse or neglect, ranging from misdemeanor charges (up to 93 days and $100.00 fine) to felony charges (up to 4 years imprisonment or $2,000.00 fine) depending on the severity of the falsely reported abuse.