LANSING, Mich., Sept. 30, 2021 — Today, survivors of late University of Michigan athletic doctor Robert Anderson testified in support of HB 4306 and HB 4307 in the House Oversight Committee. State Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township), the democratic vice chair of the committee, issued the following statement:
“Today, we heard the tragic stories of survivors who were failed by Michigan’s exceedingly narrow statute of limitations. For decades, survivors were given only three years to file civil claims. This meant survivors of sex abuse at age 8 were expected to bring claims by the time they were 11 years old. It is a morally reprehensible law that continues to protect predators and prevent survivors from being able to access our justice system. I support the passage of these bills as they will give survivors of Anderson access to our justice system. However, we must recognize that the vast majority of predators are still being protected by our laws, which is why we need far broader legislation. Michigan is the only state in the nation that restricts access to justice based on the occupation of the abuser.This legislation will give survivors of doctors one year to file claims in civil court, but it tragically won’t do anything for tens of thousands of people who have been abused by family and friends and in many other facets of life. Michigan is the only state in the nation that restricts access to justice based on the occupation of the abuser.”
Last termyear, Brixie introduced a package of legislation, HB 6252, HB 6253 and HB 6254, that would have given all survivors who were failed by Michigan’s narrow statute of limitations the needed opportunity to bring claims against their abusers. Brixie is working to reintroduce the legislation this year.