LANSING, Mich. (June 22, 2023) — Yesterday, the Michigan House voted to send Senate Bills 66-73, a bipartisan package of legislation strengthening state laws regarding sexual assault and survivor support, to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for signing. Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City) sponsored Senate Bill 72, which in conjunction with Senate Bill 69 and Senate Bill 71, requires medical professionals to preserve a patient’s records for medical services involving specific procedures for at least 15 years and requires an additional individual present during certain examinations of minors.
“This week, Michigan has sent a message demanding accountability and ensuring survivors’ rights,” said Sen. McDonald Rivet. “I’m grateful for Sen. Chang’s tireless leadership and the critical work that she, advocates, and previous sponsors of these policies did to arrive at this moment. I’m honored to sponsor part of this legislation and glad to see it get overwhelming bipartisan support.”
Senate Bills 66-73 include key policy reforms that have been passed through at least one legislative chamber each term since 2018. Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) has championed efforts in this area for years, working with colleagues, survivors and advocates to put forth the most effective measures.
The majority of bills in this package, now on its way to the governor, deal specifically with sexual assault under the pretext of medical care, criminalizing it and outlining corresponding penalties. By requiring record retention of procedures involving vaginal or anal penetration, Sen. McDonald Rivet’s legislation will deter medical professionals from engaging in this kind of abuse. It will also ensure critical evidence is preserved long enough for sexual assault survivors to hold their assailants accountable.
###
Selected to serve as one of the Michigan Senate’s two Assistant Majority Floor Leaders, Sen. McDonald Rivet has 30 years of experience in educational and economic policy and strategic leadership. She represents the 35th Senate District.