2015 House Bill 4481 / 2016 Public Act 96

Expand denial of rapist father's parental rights

Introduced in the House

April 21, 2015

Introduced by Rep. Lisa Posthumus Lyons (R-86)

To expand a law that prohibits granting custody or parenting time to the father of a child who was conceived as the result of a rape for which he was convicted. Under the bill the ban would also apply if there was no conviction but a court fact-finding hearing discovers "clear and convincing" evidence that a rape had occurred. Also, to expand the criteria to cases where the rape and conviction was in another state. A mother could waive the ban, and it would not apply if the parents "cohabit and establish a mutual custodial environment".

Referred to the Committee on Criminal Justice

June 9, 2015

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.

Oct. 14, 2015

Substitute offered by Rep. Lisa Posthumus Lyons (R-86)

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Oct. 15, 2015

Passed in the House 101 to 4 (details)

Received in the Senate

Oct. 20, 2015

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

Feb. 4, 2016

Reported without amendment

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

April 14, 2016

Passed in the Senate 37 to 0 (details)

To expand a law that prohibits granting custody or parenting time to the father of a child who was conceived as the result of a rape for which he was convicted. Under the bill the ban would also apply if there was no conviction but a court fact-finding hearing discovers "clear and convincing" evidence that a rape had occurred. Also, to expand the criteria to cases where the rape and conviction was in another state. A mother could waive the ban, and it would not apply if the parents "cohabit and establish a mutual custodial environment".

Received in the House

April 14, 2016

April 19, 2016

Passed in the House 105 to 3 (details)

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

May 3, 2016