2003 House Bill 4249 / Public Act 322

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Introduced in the House

Feb. 18, 2003

Introduced by Rep. John Gleason (D-48)

To prohibit the release or publication of photos of deceased accident victims without permission from relatives, unless it is for medical education purposes, or necessary to carry out the duties of a government health department, a court, or a prosecuting attorney.

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

May 6, 2003

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-3) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

May 14, 2003

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one which incorporates technical changes that do not affect the substance of the bill as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. James Koetje (R-86)

To narrow the definition of those individuals who are directly damaged by public display of an autopsy photo to exclude a guardian, personal representative, or "next of kin." The definition would only include the decedent's parents, surviving spouse, and children.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 106 to 0 (details)

To prohibit the release or publication of photos of deceased accident victims without permission from the decedent's parents, surviving spouse, and children, unless it is for medical education purposes, or necessary to carry out the duties of a government health department, a court, or a prosecuting attorney.

Received in the Senate

May 15, 2003

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

Dec. 11, 2003

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Dec. 16, 2003

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one which incorporates technical changes, amended to spell out the priority of which relative has authority to grant permission to display the photos, and which defines "public display" to include posting on the internet, but exempts an Internet Service Provider from liability under the bill.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Dec. 17, 2003

Passed in the Senate 38 to 0 (details)

To prohibit the release or publication of photos of deceased accident victims without permission from the decedent's parents, surviving spouse, and children, unless it is for medical education purposes, or necessary to carry out the duties of a government health department, a court, or a prosecuting attorney.

Received in the House

Dec. 17, 2003

Dec. 18, 2003

Passed in the House 103 to 0 (details)

To concur with the House-passed version of the bill.

Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

Dec. 31, 2003