Michigan House Bill HB4608

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/10/25
• Refer: 6/10/25

Caption

Mental health: other; certain references in the mental health code; make gender neutral. Amends sec. 800 of 1974 PA 258 (MCL 330.1800). TIE BAR WITH: HJR F'25

Summary

HB4608 amends section 800 of Michigan’s Mental Health Code to update several defined terms so they use gender-neutral language. The bill revises references such as “legal father and mother” to “parents,” and makes related wording changes in the definitions of “insurance coverage,” “individual,” and other terms used throughout the chapter. The substantive subject matter of the Mental Health Code is not changed; the bill is primarily a terminology and drafting update. The bill is tie-barred to a proposed constitutional amendment, meaning it would not take effect unless the related joint resolution becomes part of the Michigan Constitution. That makes the bill contingent on separate action by the Legislature and voters on the companion constitutional measure. In practical terms, the bill would modernize statutory language in the mental health code if the constitutional condition is satisfied.

Impact

If enacted and triggered by the companion constitutional amendment, HB4608 would amend the Mental Health Code’s definitional section, affecting how terms are read in provisions governing mental health services, cost responsibility, insurance coverage, and related billing concepts. The bill would not appear to alter eligibility, service delivery, or funding rules directly, but it would change statutory references that apply to individuals, minors, parents, and responsible parties in the mental health system. Its legal effect is limited to conforming language and terminology within MCL 330.1800.

Sentiment

The available context suggests the bill is largely noncontroversial and technical in nature. The caption identifies it as making certain references in the mental health code gender neutral, indicating a drafting modernization rather than a policy shift. No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no evidence of opposition or support beyond the bill’s stated purpose and its tie-bar to the companion constitutional resolution.

Contention

The main point of contention, if any, is structural rather than substantive: the bill cannot take effect on its own and depends on passage of the related constitutional amendment (HJR F/SJR ____). That tie-bar may draw attention because it links a routine statutory cleanup to a broader constitutional change. Otherwise, the bill’s language changes are limited to gender-neutral terminology and do not appear to raise disputes over mental health policy, benefits, or service obligations.