Bills in a larger package to prevent child abuse have passed the state House.
They’re in response to proof of serial sexual abuse by former Michigan State University athletics doctor Larry Nassar.
Some of the bills passed today would prevent people from discouraging others from reporting a crime and provide materials for mandatory reporters of suspected abuse.
"What we have learned in many of these situations is that while physical force is the most obvious form of persuasion, the use of an individual’s power of authority over an individual can also be just as coercive." said Republican state Representative Julie Alexander who is among the bills’ sponsors.
Alexander says this is part of a bicameral effort between the House and the Senate.
The bills are similar to ones introduced the past two legislative terms that didn’t receive floor votes in the state Senate.