MI HB5249

Adds definitions to the Children's Ombudsman Act including "adoption attorney," "preliminary investigation," and "full investigation" to clarify the ombudsman's scope of authority.

Expands the ombudsman's access to medical records, mental health records, substance use disorder records, and court/prosecuting attorney records necessary for child fatality investigations.

Requires the ombudsman to conduct a preliminary investigation into all child fatalities involving suspected abuse or neglect in cases where there was prior child protective services involvement or an open foster care case within 24 months of death.

Mandates that if a preliminary investigation determines a full investigation is necessary, the ombudsman must complete the full investigation within 12 months.

Allows the ombudsman to make recommendations directly to the governor and legislature without prior review by other executive branch offices or agencies.