LANSING, Mich., April 26, 2022 — The Michigan House passed a bipartisan package of bills today that included legislation known as Wyatt’s Law. This legislation helps keep serial abusers away from children by making information about convicted child abusers available to parents whose children are in the care of another adult. The bill is named after Wyatt Rewoldt, a child abused by his father’s girlfriend who had a previous history of child abuse. Wyatt’s mother, Erica Hammel, has been working to get this law passed since 2014.
“I am incredibly proud that this bill has finally passed the Legislature after the better part of a decade of work,” said state Rep. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores). “Without the tireless efforts of those who advocated for the passage of Wyatt’s Law, we would not be in this position today. I look forward to seeing this finally become the law of the land in Michigan.”
Today’s vote reflects the House’s approval of changes to the bill that were made in the Senate. The bill now heads to the governor’s desk, where it is expected to be signed into law.