Legislation Would Remove Statute Of Limitations On Sex Crimes In Michigan
LANSING (WWJ) - Legislation has been introduced in Lansing that would remove the statute of limitations on sex crimes.
Republican Rep. Holly Hughes, of Montague, and Democratic Rep. Pam Faris, of Clio, introduced the legislation Tuesday, saying there is no recourse for victims of crimes committed before 2001 under current Michigan law.
"This bill will give victims of criminal sexual abuse a voice, regardless of when they became victims," Hughes said in a statement. "Many times, victims of these horrific crimes suppress their memories and don't recall them for many years. We can't let their abusers get away with their crime simply because the abuse occurred before 2001."
State laws were amended in 2001 to remove statutes of limitation for crimes involving criminal sexual conduct. However, the changes only applied to cases of abuse which occurred after 2001. This new legislation would allow charges to be brought against abusers regardless of when the crime occurred.
"Those who commit sexual abuse deserve no refuge from prosecution," said Faris. "This legislation would correct a defect in a law meant to protect society and punish abusers."
House Bill 4231 has been referred to the House Criminal Justice Committee.