MI HB6517

Expands the definition of clergy covered by clergy-penitent privilege from "minister of the gospel, priest, or Christian Science practitioner" to include rabbis and other similar religious functionaries, or individuals reasonably believed to be such functionaries.

Changes the language from "allowed to disclose" to "shall not disclose and must not be allowed to disclose" confessions made in the cleric's professional capacity as a spiritual advisor.

Creates an exception to the privilege for confessions involving past physical violence against a third person or threats of physical violence against a reasonably identifiable third person when the individual making the threat has apparent intent and ability to carry out the threat in the foreseeable future.

Defines "cleric" to include ministers, priests, rabbis, accredited Christian Science practitioners, or similar religious functionaries, as well as individuals reasonably believed by the penitent to be such functionaries.