Civil procedure: statute of limitations; civil actions for criminal sexual conduct; extend period of limitations, and add grace period for past occurrences. Amends sec. 5851b of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.5851b). TIE BAR WITH: SB 258'25, SB 259'25

This Michigan bill extends the time allowed for victims of criminal sexual conduct to file civil lawsuits. It also introduces a grace period for those who may have missed the previous deadlines due to various circumstances. The aim is to provide more opportunities for survivors to seek justice.

Supporters of the bill argue that it empowers survivors of sexual assault by giving them more time to come forward and seek justice through civil action. They believe this legislation will help address past wrongs and support healing for victims who may have felt unable to act within the original time limits.

Critics of the bill contend that extending the statute of limitations could lead to an influx of claims that are difficult to verify due to the passage of time. They argue that this could burden the legal system and potentially undermine the rights of the accused, raising concerns about fairness in civil proceedings.