A bill filed in the Michigan Senate would allow more people to see some confidential children’s protective services case files.
The legislation is a response to the recent death of a 5 year old Detroit child and criticisms that current law doesn’t allow transparency in CPS investigations.
Republican Senator Jim Runestad says his bill would let lawmakers and credentialed media only gain greater access to certain documents, but what they could do with that access is up for debate.
“The question becomes do we want it left at that level so that they can only look at it, discuss it with the department and nothing further or give them some latitude. That would be something that we could discuss in committee.” said Runestad.
The state Health Department says it works to be as transparent as it legally can.
It says it’s always willing to work with legislative partners to protect children.