Bill aims to prevent child sex abuse

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - The Michigan Senate has approved legislation aimed at increasing education and training to help prevent the sexual abuse of children.

The package of bills passed unanimously Wednesday is named "Erin's Law" and followed testimony earlier in the day by its namesake, Erin Merryn. The 27-year-old woman from Schaumburg, Ill., was sexually abused as a child and now campaigns for increased education and protections.

The legislation requires schools to adopt a policy and create a curriculum that among other things would help children understand and talk about sexual abuse. It also would train educators on abuse.

Children wouldn't be required to participate.

The measure now goes to the House.

Similar legislation has been enacted in four other states and about a dozen have introduced proposals.