House Approves Denby Bill that Protects Michigan's Children

The Michigan House has approved legislation introduced by state Rep. Cindy Denby that will help give potential birth fathers more rights in the adoption process. 

The bill is part of a seven bill package that aims to streamline the adoption process in Michigan.

The package includes HB 4646, which would allow for out-of-court consent at least 24 hours after the birth and in the presence of an adoption attorney or a social worker from a child-placing agency and would limit how long a birth mother could revoke consent to five business days, and HB 4647, which would eliminate the supervisory period for families adopting an infant 1 year or younger from six months to three months,House Bill 4661, sponsored by Rep. Denby, will allow fathers who have registered with the Responsible Fathers Registry to be notified of a proceeding for the adoption of a child or termination of parental rights regarding a child that he may have fathered. 

The individual is required to register for this before the child's birth or within 48 hours of the child's birth.

"The adoption process can be long and confusing in this state and I am proud to be a part of legislation that will change that for the better," said Denby, R-Handy Township. "This legislation will help ensure that all children in the state grow up in a loving home and environment."

The bipartisan package will now move to the Senate for consideration.

Information provided in press release.