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	Session: Debate over Amendments to Bill 34 That Seek to Strengthen Protections against False Accusations of Sexual Abuse Pacific News Center February 23, 2011 http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11753:bill-34-back-on-agenda-amended-to-strengthen-protection-against-false-charges&catid=45:guam-news&Itemid=156 Guam - Vice Speaker B.J. Cruz's Bill 34 was placed on the Legislative agenda today [Wednesday] and it was the subject of debate all morning at the Session Hall. Various Senators have been offering amendments to strengthen protections against false accusations. Yesterday, Senator Cruz questioned why the measure had been left off the legislative agenda this week. On the K-57 Breakfast Show this morning [Wednesday], Rules Committee Chair Rory Respico said that no motion was made to put the bill on the agenda. Respico made that motion this morning and the bill was placed on the agenda. Bill 34 lifts the statute of limitations on civil suits against the perpetrators of sex crimes against minors. It is the companion to Bill 33 which would remove the limitations on filing a criminal complaint of sexual abuse committed against minors. Bill 33 got strong support during emotional testimony on Monday. During a hearing on the measure earlier this month, Deacon Jeff Barcinas testified against the measure saying the Archdiocese fears the bill is directed at the Church and that it could bankrupt the Archdiocese. Today, Senators Respicio, Blas and others have proposed various amendments to strengthen protections against false accusations. One amendment, that was adopted, would ensure that a closed hearing would be held before a Judge to determine the validity of any abuse allegations, before the name of the accused was entered into the public record. Other amendments have been introduced and remain under debate. Session continues this afternoon. Vice-Speaker B.J. Cruz says he doesn't understand why bill 34 which is the companion bill to bill 33 was not included on this session's agenda. Bill 33 was discussed during session yesterday and it would remove the statute of limitations on the prosecution of sex crimes committed against minors. Bill 34 was not on the agenda and it would remove the statute of limitations for civil suits to be filed against perpetrators of sex crimes against minors. The vice-speaker says that he's not sure why but the bill did not make it onto session agenda despite unanimous yes votes by the committee who reported the bill. "As you can see from the voting sheet the committee voted unanimously to pass as I understand it somebody in either rules or in caucus has a problem with the bill I don't know what it is and if that one person or persons I don't know who it is has made a determination to overrule nine members of the legislature who voted to pass the bill out of committee," said Cruz. The Vice-Speaker adds that the bill is important because it will allow those who can no longer pursue criminal prosecution against their perpetrators to instead seek some form of civil actions.
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