An Act Concerning Sexual Misconduct On College Campuses.
Impact
If enacted, SB00019 will impact existing state laws related to how institutions handle reports of sexual misconduct. Institutions will be required to adopt specific policies regarding sexual assault and intimate partner violence. The implementation of the climate survey is designed to create a more transparent environment where students can voice their concerns without facing repercussions for reporting incidents. Furthermore, it includes stipulations aimed at protecting students who disclose being victims of such acts from disciplinary actions related to violations that may have occurred at the time of the incident.
Summary
SB00019, titled 'An Act Concerning Sexual Misconduct On College Campuses,' seeks to establish a framework for addressing sexual misconduct within higher education institutions in the state. A major feature of the bill is the introduction of a standardized sexual misconduct climate survey meant to gauge the prevalence of incidents such as sexual assault and stalking across campuses. The bill emphasizes the importance of awareness and education around affirmative consent, highlighting that all participants must actively agree to engage in sexual activity. It defines affirmative consent in clear terms, outlining that it must be ongoing and can be revoked at any time.
Contention
The bill has been met with varying opinions. Supporters argue that it provides essential protections for students and holds institutions accountable for creating safer campus environments. Detractors, however, might raise concerns regarding the adequacy of resources for effective implementation and the potential for misuse of the reporting mechanisms. There are also apprehensions about the challenges in ensuring confidentiality and the effectiveness of the surveys in capturing genuine data concerning the experiences of students. Overall, the bill represents a significant step towards enhancing the measures taken against sexual misconduct in higher education.
An Act Concerning Additional Legal Protections Under The Commission On Human Rights And Opportunities Statutes For Victims Of Sexual Assault, Trafficking In Persons And Stalking.
An Act Concerning Revisions To Various Laws Concerning Ignition Interlock Devices, The Department Of Correction, Judicial Retirement Salaries And Criminal Law And Criminal Procedure.
In sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking education, prevention and response at institutions of higher education and private licensed schools, further providing for scope of article, for definitions, for education program and for follow-up and providing for staff training and for enforcement and penalties; in postsecondary institution sexual harassment and sexual violence policy and online reporting system, further providing for definitions, for policy for postsecondary institution sexual harassment and sexual violence and for online reporting system, providing for sexual misconduct climate surveys, establishing the Task Force on Postsecondary Sexual Misconduct and providing for confidential resource advisors, for waivers for student victims, for data reporting requirements and for enforcement and penalties; and making editorial changes.
Corrections: prisoners; good time system; modify. Amends sec. 33 of 1893 PA 118 (MCL 800.33) & repeals secs. 34 & 35 of 1893 PA 118 (MCL 800.34 & 800.35). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4468'23