LANSING (WKZO AM/FM) — Compromises were made in the final package of sex abuse bills inspired by the Larry Nassar Scandal and headed to the house.
Interim MSU President John Engler warned members of the Senate Higher Education Committee that they may have to increase tuition to pay off all the lawsuits that would result from a change in the Statute of Limitation on Sex Crimes, saying the legislation has interfered with negotiations to settle the cases, which is their goal.
Engler is one of many University Presidents that will be called in to explain their approach to dealing with sex abuse issues prior to the preparation of next year’s Higher Ed. Budget.
Chair Tonya Schuitmaker claims disputes Engler’s claims that any settlement offers have been made to the survivors of the Nassar Scandal.
The version sent to the house shortens the window of liability and will only give victims one year after the bill is signed to file civil suits seeking damages.
House Speaker Tom Leonard has assigned the package of bills to committee and says he doesn’t expect them to take it up for a few weeks, giving Engler another swing at the ball before final passage.
