Michigan Lawmakers Introduced Bipartisan Legislation Give More Time For Sex Abuse Victims To Sue

Michigan lawmakers on Tuesday offers bipartisan legislation that would give victims of sexual abuse more time to sue for damages as the state again looks to overhaul laws following numerous sexual abuse scandals.

Michigan Lawmakers Introduced Bipartisan Legislation Give More Time For Sex Abuse Victims To Sue (PHOTO: Winniepeg Free Press)

Michigan Lawmakers Introduced Bipartisan Legislation For Sex Abuse Victims

The legislation introduced by the Michigan lawmakers appeared before a committee Tuesday afternoon and would expand the civil statute of limitations for sex abuse victims from age 28 to 52. If enacted, those sex abuse victims will have the privilege of a two-year window to sue retroactively, regardless of the span limit.

The newly implemented measures would allow victims to have additional time to bring lawsuits that have previously been barred by the statute of limitations. Government entities could not use the immunity defense if they knew or should have known of an accused’s prior sexual misconduct and failed to intervene.

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The Time Limits Denies Delayed Justice For Several Victims

In 2018, Michigan increased the statute of limitations to 28 years old following the conviction of Larry Nassar, who sexually abused hundreds of female athletes under the disguise of medical treatment, including at Michigan State University.

Advocates say the duration limit still denies deferred justice for many victims who often keep trauma to themselves, citing research that shows many victims don’t come forward until their 50s. Vermont, Maine, and Maryland have removed the statute of limitations for child sex crime lawsuits.

The House committee did not vote on the package Tuesday after several Democratic lawmakers expressed a desire to amend the legislation to eliminate the civil statute of limitations.

The package would also establish a “Survivors Bill of Rights,” that would, among other things, demand that survivors are informed of their right to access advocates, attorneys, counselors, and other supports as they navigate through the reporting process.

This will be the third time the legislation is introduced in the Michigan Legislature but the first since Democrats accepted complete control of the Legislature and governor’s office this year.

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