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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | October 30, 2013 01:33 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Mark Rozzi |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | 1 Year “Open Window” for Past Child Sex Abuse Victims and Removing Sovereign Immunity |
| In the near future, I will be introducing legislation that would amend Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to create a one year “open window” in which victims of child sex abuse can file a civil action even if the statute of limitations has already expired. Additionally, this legislation removes the sovereign immunity defense for public officials and institutions with regards to child sex abuse. Victims of childhood sexual abuse are forced to deal with the immediate physical trauma, as well as with the long-term psychological and emotional trauma that is associated with their horrific experiences. Unfortunately, in many cases, this results in victims being unable or unwilling to take civil action against their attackers. The current law places victims at an unfair disadvantage because they must take civil action within 12 years of the time they turn 18. My legislation would create a one year “open window” where past victims will have the opportunity to seek civil recourse from their perpetrators so they are finally held accountable. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation to ensure that past victims of childhood sexual abuse are afforded every opportunity to confront their attackers and seek retribution through civil justice |