LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan’s 15 public universities are asking the state Legislature to delay voting on bills inspired by the Larry Nassar sexual abuse case, expressing concern about measures that would retroactively extend the time victims would have to file lawsuits and remove an immunity defense for governmental agencies.
FILE – In this Feb. 5, 2018, file photo, Larry Nassar listens during his sentencing at Eaton County Circuit Court in Charlotte, Mich. Right in the midst of the Pyeongchang Games, with hardly enough time for Larry Nassar to settle into the prison cell where he’ll be spending the rest of his life, we got another report detailing horrific abuse and shameful cover-ups within one of the most high-profile summer sports. (Cory Morse/The Grand Rapids Press via AP, File)
The Senate may vote this week on the legislation backed by victims of the imprisoned former doctor at Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics.
The Michigan Association of State Universities wrote a letter to lawmakers Monday. The universities say several bills would have a “profound impact” and encourage the filing of a “significant number” of lawsuits against schools, churches, governments and organizations.
People sexually abused as children generally have until their 19th birthdays to sue. Under the legislation, those abused as children in 1993 or later could sue until their 48th birthdays.
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