LANSING — Today, House Bill 5660, which creates an aggravated crime and penalty for the possession of child sexually abusive material that meets certain criteria, passed in the House. In response, state Rep. Leslie Love (D-Detroit), sponsor of HB 5660, issued the following statement:

“Our children should feel safe in their school and community, and that includes freedom from exposure to predators or pedophiles. All too often, children are silenced and their abusers escape justice, or if they are caught the court is limited to penalties that are not severe enough.  While my colleagues have introduced several bills to make it easier for survivors to report abuse and ensure that these perpetrators are brought to justice, it is also essential that we make sure pedophiles do not simply get a slap on the wrist for ruining the life of a child. I am happy that this bill passed the House today and I am eager to work with my colleagues in the Senate to see it passed and signed into law to ensure we have more tools to protect our children in the future.”