2013 House Bill 4649 / 2014 Public Act 524

Create foster care parents “bill of rights”

Introduced in the House

April 30, 2013

Introduced by Rep. Kevin Cotter (R-99)

To create a foster care parents “bill of rights” that among other things would require state authorities to provide “timely financial reimbursement for foster children in the foster parent's care,” a “fair, timely, and impartial investigation of complaints concerning the foster parent's licensure,” due process during any investigation, and more.

Referred to the Committee on Families, Children and Seniors

Oct. 10, 2013

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

May 22, 2014

Substitute offered

The substitute failed by voice vote

Substitute offered by Rep. Kevin Cotter (R-99)

To adopt a version of the bill that revises the grievance process for foster parents who believe the rights the bill would establish have not been upheld.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Dian Slavens (D-21)

To add a provision prohibiting the relevant state agency or a child placing agency from considering "gender orientation" in making foster care-related decisions.

The amendment failed by voice vote

May 27, 2014

Passed in the House 110 to 0 (details)

Received in the Senate

May 28, 2014

Referred to the Committee on Families, Seniors, and Human Services

Oct. 1, 2014

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

Dec. 16, 2014

Passed in the Senate 37 to 0 (details)

To create a foster care parents “bill of rights” that among other things would require state authorities to provide “timely financial reimbursement for foster children in the foster parent's care,” a “fair, timely, and impartial investigation of complaints concerning the foster parent's licensure,” due process during any investigation, and more.

Received in the House

Dec. 17, 2014

Received in the Senate

Dec. 17, 2014

Amendment offered by Sen. Judy Emmons (R-33)

To set a new effective date for the bill.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the Senate 37 to 0 (details)

To create a foster care parents “bill of rights” that among other things would require state authorities to provide “timely financial reimbursement for foster children in the foster parent's care,” a “fair, timely, and impartial investigation of complaints concerning the foster parent's licensure,” due process during any investigation, and more.

Received in the House

Dec. 18, 2014

Passed in the House 110 to 0 (details)

To concur with the Senate-passed version of the bill.

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

Dec. 31, 2014