The Michigan House has approved legislation from state Representative Beth Griffin designed to protect student athletes from sexual assault. She says the bill would add athletic trainers to the list of professionals required to report evidence of child abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse.
“The list of mandatory reporters being expanded is a strong step forward showing how serious we are about making sure that adults are watching over these kids,” Griffin said.
Griffin says the plan is in response to the Larry Nassar scandal.
“The bills that you see before you today that were passed out of the House are significant steps forward that will help make kids safer in Michigan.”
Current law requires teachers, doctors, social workers, and dentists to report signs of abuse to the proper authorities. A separate measure approved by the House this week would also add physical therapists and physical therapist assistants to the list. The bills now advance to the state Senate.
