MASSACHUSETTS
Wicked Local Hamilton
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR SEX CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN (H 4126) House 147-0, approved a bill increasing the statute of limitations during which a person can file a civil suit for child sexual abuse. Current law allows victims to file a suit up until the age of 21 while the bill would increase the age to 53. The extension is retroactive for claims against actual perpetrators of abuse and prospective for others with indirect liability like supervisors.
Supporters said that many children who are victims of sexual abuse are not emotionally ready to confront the situation until many years later. They noted the bill also would help hold institutions accountable for negligent behavior in supervising perpetrators of these crimes.
The Senate approved the bill on a voice vote without a roll call. Final approval is needed in both branches before the measure goes to Gov. Patrick.
A “Yes” vote is for the bill.
Rep. Paul Brodeur Yes
Rep. Leah Cole Yes
Rep. Michael Costello Yes
Rep. Diana DiZoglio Yes
Rep. Paul Donato Yes
Rep. James Dwyer Yes
Rep. Lori Ehrlich Yes
Rep. Christopher Fallon Yes
Rep. Robert Fennell Yes
Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante Yes
Rep. Bradford Hill Yes
Rep. Bradley Jones Yes
Rep. John Keenan Didn’t Vote
Rep. James Lyons Yes
Rep. Wayne Matewsky Yes
Rep. Leonard Mirra Yes
Rep. Jerald Parisella Yes
Rep. Carl Sciortino has resigned
Rep. Theodore Speliotis Yes
Rep. RoseLee Vincent Yes
Rep. Steven Walsh has resigned
Rep. Donald Wong Yes
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