LANSING, MI (AP)-- A Michigan department will soon likely have to put together a new $2.6 million online reporting system for child abuse and neglect cases after the state Senate approved legislation that's headed for Governor Rick Snyder.
The Senate passed the bill 37-1 Tuesday. The bill's Republican sponsor, Senator Judy Emmons of Sheridan, says she's hopeful it will end up costing less, but says it's necessary to reduce a backlog of abuse or neglect reports.
A fiscal analysis of the bill says people who come into contact with kids like medical professionals, social workers, counselors and teachers would have to make an immediate phone call to a central state office or create an online report upon hearing of child abuse or neglect.
Currently, an oral report is mandated that Emmons calls "archaic."