Specialized transport companies cannot blindfold children headed to certain live-in programs

Companies specializing in these trips cannot block a child’s vision or use handcuffs and similar devices when a covered program is the planned final stop. Covered programs house children unrelated to the operator and serve children with a history or diagnosis of mental health, substance use, or disability conditions. Michigan-licensed hospitals are excluded. Foster family homes are excluded if Michigan licenses and regulates them, or if they provide 24-hour substitute care for children placed away from their parents or guardians under the state health department’s placement and care responsibility. This rule took effect October 5, 2026.

Companies specializing in these trips generally cannot use force to restrict a child’s movement when a covered program is the planned final stop. Covered programs house children unrelated to the operator and serve children with a history or diagnosis of mental health, substance use, or disability conditions. Michigan-licensed hospitals are excluded. Foster family homes are excluded if Michigan licenses and regulates them, or if they provide 24-hour substitute care for children placed away from their parents or guardians under the state health department’s placement and care responsibility. Both exceptions require a strong chance of serious physical harm to the child or someone else soon. One exception also requires that no less restrictive option can remove that risk. A separate exception lets trained staff use a needed restraint only while the danger lasts. These rules took effect October 5, 2026.

Companies specializing in trips to covered live-in programs cannot pick up children between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Covered programs house children unrelated to the operator and serve children with a history or diagnosis of mental health, substance use, or disability conditions. Michigan-licensed hospitals are excluded. Foster family homes are excluded if Michigan licenses and regulates them, or if they provide 24-hour substitute care for children placed away from their parents or guardians under the state health department’s placement and care responsibility. Companies may continue transporting a child during those hours. The pickup rule took effect October 5, 2026.

A person who violates this act can face a civil fine of up to $1,000. The fine applies to a person who violates any rule in this act. The prosecutor in the county where the violation occurred or the state attorney general may sue to collect the fine. The law took effect October 5, 2026. A case to collect a fine must be filed within 10 years after the violation.