Michigan Senate passed a critical package of bills aimed at extending the statute of limitations for survivors of sexual assault, granting them more time to seek justice. The five-bill package, which passed with bipartisan support by a 25-9 vote, would allow survivors up to 10 years after the assault to file civil lawsuits, with an extended period available for those who discover new injuries or connections to the abuse.
The bills, introduced by Democratic Senators Kevin Hertel, Sam Singh, Mallory McMorrow, Jeff Irwin, and Veronica Klinefelt, aim to empower survivors by giving them more time to seek compensation for damages sustained due to sexual abuse or misconduct. Under the new legislation, survivors can bring their cases to court even if the original incident occurred many years ago, and institutions that failed to prevent or intervene in such misconduct would no longer be protected by immunity.
Key Provisions of the Bill Package:
- Extension of Statute of Limitations: Survivors of sexual assault will have up to 10 years from the crime date to file lawsuits, or until age 42, whichever comes later. For survivors who discover new injuries or connections to the abuse, they would have seven additional years to file.
- One-Year Window for Past Victims: Survivors who were victimized before the new legislation takes effect will have one year to file lawsuits, but they cannot recover more than $1.5 million.
- Removal of Institutional Immunity: Public institutions, including universities and schools, would lose their immunity in cases where employees engaged in misconduct and the institution was negligent in hiring, training, or supervising the staff member.
Justice for Survivors: Advocates Push for Change
Supporters of the bills argue that this legislation is long overdue, emphasizing the need for reform to protect survivors and hold institutions accountable for their actions. Senator McMorrow, a sponsor of the bill, stated, “Michigan’s justice system needed to be reformed to protect survivors, not shield abusers.” She added that this package is a crucial step toward providing the access to justice that survivors deserve.
Senator Irwin echoed McMorrow’s sentiments, stating that the bill would empower survivors by removing the immunity enjoyed by large institutions, making it possible for them to pursue justice. “We are ending the era where institutions can hide behind legal immunity,” said Irwin.
Senator Klinefelt also shared her support, emphasizing the damage done by institutional cover-ups and the importance of making survivors’ voices heard. “This legislation will restore trust, deliver justice, and ensure survivors’ voices are not easily swept under the rug,” Klinefelt said.
Controversy and Uncertainty in the House
While the Senate has passed the bills with strong support, the path forward remains uncertain. The legislation now moves to the Republican-controlled Michigan House of Representatives, where Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) has expressed concerns about the impact of the bills. Hall voiced skepticism during a news briefing, noting that extending statutes of limitations could lead to legal complications and problems with enforcement.
“I haven’t looked at it, but I think the idea of extending statutes of limitations for decades, or whatever it is, that creates a lot of questions, a lot of legal problems,” Hall said. “We’ll look at it, but you didn’t see the Democrats move it when they were there, so it must have a lot of problems.”
The fate of the legislation may hinge on whether lawmakers can address concerns about the bills’ potential legal and logistical challenges.
A History of Abuse in Michigan
The legislation is seen as a response to the high-profile sexual abuse cases that have made national headlines in Michigan over the last several years. The abuse scandals involving Larry Nassar at Michigan State University and Robert Anderson at the University of Michigan have exposed systemic failures in institutions that allowed abuse to go unchecked for decades. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has also led investigations into the Catholic Church and the Boy Scouts of America, further highlighting the need for comprehensive reform.
What’s Next for Michigan’s Justice System?
With the bills now heading to the House, survivors and advocates are closely watching to see whether the legislation will receive the support it needs to become law. If passed, this package could open the doors to justice for countless survivors of sexual assault who have long been denied their day in court.
How Survivors Can Take Action
For survivors of sexual assault in Michigan, there is still time to seek justice and hold perpetrators accountable. If you have been the victim of sexual abuse, whether recently or in the past, there are legal options available to you. Helping Survivors can connect you with experienced attorneys who specialize in sexual abuse cases. Even if you have not yet come forward, you have the right to seek compensation for the harm done to you. Contact us today for a confidential consultation and let us guide you through the legal process.
