LANSING — Today, the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan package of bills aimed at combatting sexual assault in the state. Included in the package were House Bills 5796-7, introduced by state Rep. Kristy Pagan (D-Canton). HB 5796 would require the Department of Health and Human Services to create and make publicly available a “training package” for mandatory reporters of suspected child abuse or neglect. HB 5797 would protect from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act information that would reveal the identity of a sexual misconduct survivor proceeding anonymously in a civil action. In response, Rep. Pagan issued the following statement:
“For too long in our state, survivors have gone without the support they need to begin their own individual journey toward healing. Today’s vote was a significant step toward ensuring all survivors — past, present and future — are heard, valued and believed, and are supported in their pursuit of justice. However, our jobs don’t end with this vote today. We must continue identifying policy solutions to better protect young people throughout our state.”
###