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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 27, 2014 02:01 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Mark Rozzi |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Child Sexual Abuse: Suspend Civil Statute of Limitations, Remove Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations for Civil Recourse and Criminal Prosecution, and Remove Sovereign Immunity |
| In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that would amend Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to suspend the civil statute of limitations for past child sexual abuse victims who have not yet attained the age of 50. They would have the opportunity to seek civil recourse from their perpetrators. Additionally, my legislation would permanently remove the civil and criminal statute of limitations involving child sexual abuse. Under current law, civil and criminal action for most sex crimes must commence within 12 years of when the victim reaches 18 years of age. My legislation aims to ensure that former perpetrators of these heinous acts are brought to justice in a court of law. Furthermore, I believe by permanently removing the civil and criminal statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse, future perpetrators will be held accountable no matter when the victim becomes courageous enough to initiate a civil or criminal action. I should also note that my proposal would remove the sovereign immunity defense for public officials and institutions. If you believe in protecting Pennsylvania’s children from sexual abuse, I urge you to join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation. Thank you! |
Introduced as HB2067