University sexual abuse claims in Michigan: what the law says
Last checked: 15 October 2026
Michigan law treats a public university as part of the state. That means claims against it face governmental immunity, a notice requirement and a 3-year deadline in the Court of Claims. The Justice for Survivors bills SB 259 to 261 would exempt childhood sexual abuse claims from the notice requirement and the 3-year deadline, and remove immunity in some cases. As of 15 October 2026, none of them has passed the House.
The rules today
- "State" includes a public university or college of Michigan (MCL 691.1401(g)).
- A governmental agency is immune from tort liability when carrying out a governmental function, except where the law provides otherwise (MCL 691.1407(1)).
- A claim against the state needs a written claim or notice of intention filed with the Court of Claims within 1 year after it arises, or within 6 months for personal injury (MCL 600.6431).
- A claim against the state is barred unless filed within 3 years after it first arises (MCL 600.6452).
What the bills would change
| Bill | Change, as passed by the Senate |
|---|---|
| SB 259 (HB 6048) | The 3-year deadline for claims against the state would not apply to claims under section 5851b, the childhood sexual abuse deadline. |
| SB 261 (HB 6051) | The Court of Claims notice requirement would not apply to claims under section 5851b. |
| SB 260 (HB 6050) | A public university or college would not be immune for criminal sexual conduct by an employee or agent in some cases, where it knew or should have known of a prior act or propensity and failed to act. The detail is on the schools page. |
Investigations
The Michigan Attorney General's office has an investigation page for Michigan State University, with correspondence and a status update published there.
Sources
- MCL 691.1401: legislature.mi.gov
- MCL 691.1407: legislature.mi.gov
- MCL 600.6431: legislature.mi.gov
- MCL 600.6452: legislature.mi.gov
- SB 259, 260 and 261 as passed by the Senate: 259, 260, 261
- Michigan Attorney General, Michigan State University investigation: michigan.gov