This legislation is on behalf of every Michigan child and it’s fitting that we vote on Wyatt’s Law today as National Child Abuse Prevention Month is also this month. A report of child abuse happens every 10 seconds in the United States. Wyatt’s Law is a tool that parents can use to make informed decisions for their child’s safety, particularly when their children are too young to speak up and report abuse. Legislation like this is a prime example of why I, and I’m sure most of you, ran for public office in the first place.
This bill identified a problem in our system that if solved will make Michigan a little easier—not easy, but a little easier—to raise a family, a little easier to keep your children safe. Every parent deserves critical information that could keep their children safe from harm. If this legislation can prevent one Michigan child from being subjected to abuse then this Legislature will have done one of the most important jobs that we can do here and Wyatt the warrior will continue to make a difference in the lives of many.
In my final year here, I am incredibly proud to say that we are finally going to get Wyatt’s Law over the finish line. I appreciate all those who have played a role in this package, but most of all I just appreciate being in the lives of Erica and Christyne and Wyatt, who have been an inspiration on tough days to keep going.
The following bill was read a third time:
House Bill No. 5275, entitled
A bill to amend 1975 PA 238, entitled “Child protection law,” by amending section 7j (MCL 722.627j), as amended by 2010 PA 81.
The question being on the passage of the bill,
Senator Hertel offered the following substitute:
Substitute (S-4).
The substitute was adopted, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
The question being on the passage of the bill,
The bill was passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows: