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  Landmark Sexual Abuse Bill Heads to Governor's Office

The News Journal [Delaware]
June 20, 2007

http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070620/NEWS/70620060

A bill eliminating Delaware's two-year statute of limitations is on its way to Gov. Ruth Ann Minner's office for signing, after being unanimously approved by the Senate today.

The state House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 29, which one law professor called "the strongest bill for child sexual abuse victims in the country," by a 41-0 vote Tuesday. The bill had to return to the Senate today for approval of a minor amendment attached Tuesday night by co-sponsor Rep. Deborah Hudson, R-Hockessin.

Lawmakers had noted in the bill it would cost the state a maximum of $200,000 or, possibly, nothing. Hudson's amendment said the law will take effect when the money is appropriated.

Along with eliminating the civil statute of limitations in child sexual abuse cases, S.B. 29 also provides a two-year window during which claims previously barred by statute could be filed -- opening the courthouse door to victims unable to seek justice because the statute of limitations had expired. Institutions that allowed the abuse to occur through gross negligence also could be sued.

 
 

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