HB 4069 Michigan House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Children: protection; reference in Michigan penal code to surrender of a newborn under the newborn safe delivery law; revise. Amends sec. 135 of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.135). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4067'25

HB 4069 amends Michigan's penal code to clarify that surrendering a newborn under 72 hours old to a hospital, fire department, or police station (as defined by the "safe delivery of newborns law") serves as a legal defense against abandonment charges. It directly affects parents or caregivers who choose this option for newborns, ensuring they cannot face criminal prosecution solely for this action. The bill explicitly states that criminal investigations must not be initiated based only on a newborn being surrendered through these designated channels. It updates Section 135 of the penal code to align with existing protections under Michigan's newborn safety law, without changing the underlying policy.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 12, 2025 Last action Feb 13, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Feb 12, 2025
Committee
referred to Committee on Families and Veterans
lower
Feb 12, 2025
Introduced
introduced by Representative Rep. Jennifer Wortz
lower
1 primary · 11 co-sponsors

Sponsors