Bill to extend statute of limitations for sex offenses passes Utah House

Good4Utah
March 09, 2015

http://www.good4utah.com/story/d/story/bill-to-extend-statute-of-limitations-for-sex-offe/25906/4P18exWd4EOKe3xUhVfKoQ

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 Utah) House Bill 366, a bill that would extend the statue of limitations for sex offenses against children sailed through the House Monday.

Current law defines a child as under the age of 14 in relationships of special trust that would be with a family member, teacher, coach or church leader.

House Bill 366 would extend the age to 18 years old as long as the perpetrator is at least three years older.

Bill sponsor Ken Ivory says the window between 14 and 18 is when a lot of these crimes happen. He also says predators seek out these positions with the intent of finding victims. That's what he wants to stop.

"What we are saying is when our children are in that setting, with a special trust, with an adult that has undue influence over them they are not going to be able to hide behind time if they sexually abuse those children," said Ivory (R), West Jordan.

The bill passed the House on a unanimous vote. It is now off to the Senate.