PENNSYLVANIA
The Times
By J.D. Prose jprose@calkins.com
Victims of sexual abuse would have an additional 10 years to pursue civil legal action under a bill introduced in the state Senate while another one would require schools be tested for lead every year.
Senate Bill 643, sponsored by state Sen. John Rafferty Jr., R-Montgomery County, would increase the statute of limitations for sexual abuse victims who were under 18 when they were assaulted. Currently, these victims have 12 years after they turn 18 to file civil suits, but Rafferty’s bill would increase that window to 22 years.
“This legislation would allow the victim to file for damages regardless of whether the individual files a criminal complaint regarding the childhood sexual abuse,” Rafferty told colleagues in a February memo.
Southwest Pennsylvania co-sponsors on the legislation include state Sens. Guy Reschenthaler, R-37, Jefferson Hills, Allegheny County, and Pat Stefano, R-Fayette County.
Rafferty previously introduced his bill in April 2016, but it did not receive a floor vote. Senate Bill 643 was assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee, on which Rafferty serves as vice chairman.
Note: This is an Abuse Tracker excerpt. Click the title to view the full text of the original article. If the original article is no longer available, see our News Archive.