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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 13, 2013 11:50 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Mark Rozzi |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Increasing the Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse (Civil Actions) |
| In the near future, I will be introducing legislation that would amend Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to increase the statute of limitations from 12 years to 32 years for civil actions arising from the sexual abuse of a minor. Victims of sexual abuse must grapple with the long-term mental and emotional trauma that they carry with them for many years after the criminal act occurred. Sadly, many victims are unable or unwilling to bring civil suits against the perpetrators in the years immediately following the horrific acts due to various emotional issues surrounding the ordeal. To complicate matters, under current law, civil action for most sex crimes must commence within 12 years of when the victim reaches 18 years of age. The current law places victims of sexual abuse at an unfair disadvantage. My proposal aims to ensure that perpetrators of these heinous acts are brought to justice in civil court. My legislation would give individuals who were sexually assaulted as minors the opportunity to seek civil recourse from their perpetrators for 32 years after turning the age of 18. I hope you can join me and co-sponsor this important piece of legislation. |
Introduced as HB1046
Memo Updated: March 13, 2013 11:51 AM