LANSING, Mich., Jan. 20, 2022 — Today, the Wayne County Commission voted to approve a resolution in support of a multitude of bills currently being taken up by the Michigan Legislature in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. One of the bills referenced in the resolution is House Bill 4306, sponsored by state Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit), which would extend the statute of limitations for civil actions under the Revised Judicature Act, including opening a one-year retroactive window to commence a civil action for victims of criminal sexual conduct under the guise of medical treatment. The bill would also extend the time period for filing an action after discovery from three years to six years.
This bill, along with its companion, House Bill 4307, sponsored by state Rep. Ryan Berman (R-Commerce Township), had its first hearing before the House Oversight Committee on Sept. 30, 2021. During the hearing, survivors of both Michigan State University’s Larry Nassar and the University of Michigan’s Robert Anderson provided testimony alongside Reps. Whitsett and Berman in support of the legislation.
“Providing support to survivors of sexual assault has been a top priority for me since day one,” said Whitsett. “It’s truly an honor to see the Wayne County Commission taking a stand in support of my bill, as well as the bills of my colleagues, as we continue to fight for survivors throughout the state of Michigan.”