MI HB4640

Amends adoption record confidentiality provisions to allow the child advocate to inspect closed adoption records during investigations authorized under the Child Advocate Act, 1994 PA 204.

Requires child placing agencies, courts, and the department to permit the child advocate to inspect adoption records in their possession while maintaining confidentiality of information obtained.

Specifies that if the child advocate requires further information from individuals whose identities are protected in closed records, contact must be made discreetly and confidentially with participation being voluntary.

Updates terminology in parental rights termination provisions to reference "child advocate" consistent with changes to the Child Advocate Act.

Effective date is February 13, 2024, contingent upon enactment of either Senate Bill No. 432 or House Bill No. 4638 of the 102nd Legislature.