Survivors join Rep. Theis, governor for bill-signing ceremony

State Rep. Lana Theis today welcomed two Livingston County teenagers who inspired her to introduce legislation improving protections for underage victims of sex crimes to Lansing for a bill-signing ceremony with Gov. Rick Snyder.

The new law requires permanent expulsion of any student convicted of criminal sexual conduct against another pupil enrolled in the same school district.

Brighton High School students Gianna Duva and Mya Zaplitny worked with Theis to develop a solution and testified in support of the measure throughout the legislative process.

Standing, from left, are Meghan Reckling, senior advisor to Rep. Theis; Rep. Theis; Mya Zaplitny; Mya’s mother Jacqueline Zaplitny; Gianna Duva; Gianna’s mother Ashley Howe; and State Rep. Sylvia Santana.