Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer Surprises Parents With Positive News

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently announced important legislation that aims to protect children in schools...

Photo byCity of Detroit via Wikimedia Commons

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation to protect students at schools, colleges, and universities.

“We must work together to support and protect students at every level and create environments that safeguard them from abuse,” said Governor Whitmer. “Last year, I worked with legislators to expand the occupations required to report child abuse, and today’s legislation builds on that bipartisan work to keep our kids safe. We have all seen the devastating impacts of ongoing, unreported abuse. As a former prosecutor, public safety is a top priority for me, and I will work with anyone to protect Michigan children.”

The legislation signed by Governor Whitmer requires the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will be welcomed by parents across Michigan. House Bill 4120, according to the Governor's office, aims to keep communities safe by requiring MDHHS to develop mandatory reporter training materials and requiring employers to provide them to employees who are required to report suspected child abuse or neglect. The bill also requires MDHHS to make the materials public on its website.

“These long overdue measures will protect and empower sexual assault survivors, prevent others from being victimized, and hold offenders accountable,” said Angela Povilaitis, staff attorney for the Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board. “I am incredibly proud of the persistent and tireless work of so many sexual assault victims, who have become not only survivors, but advocates for change in Michigan. I am also grateful for the unwavering leadership, support, and dedication shown by Gov. Whitmer and our state legislators to improve responses and outcomes for sexual assault survivors in our state.”

“I am proud to have worked with Senator Chang and the other bill sponsors over the past four years to see these bipartisan bills finally enacted into law. This legislation is long overdue and its enactment will protect Michiganders from abuse at the hands of authority figures in our schools, athletic programs, and medical settings,” said State Representative Julie Rogers. “Under HB 4120, employers will be required to adequately train employees who are mandated reporters to ensure that everyone is clear on their responsibilities and the process for reporting known and suspected crimes.”

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