HARRISBURG (PA)
The Associated Press
June 12, 2018
A renewed push for legislation to abolish Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations in sex abuse cases will follow the publication of a sweeping grand jury report on allegations of child sexual abuse and cover-ups within six Roman Catholic dioceses around the state, a lawmaker said Tuesday.
Rep. Mark Rozzi, D-Berks, said he will be prepared to seek a vote in the state House of Representatives on legislation that carries provisions sought by victims.
The House two years ago overwhelmingly approved Rozzi’s legislation to lift time limits for authorities to pursue charges of child sexual abuse and for those onetime child victims to sue their attackers and institutions that covered it up. Rozzi’s bill also would have established a two-year window for victims to sue for damages if they are now older than the current legal age limit.
Currently, state law bars onetime child victims from suing for damages if they have turned 30 and bars authorities from filing criminal charges if the person making the claim of child sexual abuse has turned 50.
The Senate, however, rejected key provisions, including the two-year window. Rozzi, who has told of his rape as a 13-year-old boy by a Roman Catholic priest, said he is hoping the grand jury’s report changes enough minds for his bill to pass the Senate this time.
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