HB 1947 passed the PA House of Representatives with a vote of 180-15.

By John Salveson
Foundatito Abolish Child Sex Abuse
April 12, 2016

http://www.abolishsexabuse.org/

Rep. Mark Rozzi making final remarks before the vote is called on HB 1947. I hope some of you were able to watch the debate yesterday and today on line. There are days when we we can feel that we are not alone, days that legislators can be won over with the argument calling them to do the right thing for victims of past sexual abuse and to help protect children today and in the future, days that politics can be used for good.

Today was one of those days.

While the battle is not over, we celebrate today because here in PA, #SOLReform legislation has taken a big step further.

And we would be remiss if we didn't say a BIG thank you to all of you who helped make this happen. Each call, each email you write does, in fact, make a difference.

Marie Whitehead Communication Coordinator FACSA

Foundation to Abolish Child Sex Abuse (FACSA) Statement Regarding the Passage of PA HB 1947 today.

BRYN MAWR, PA – John Salveson, President of FACSA (Foundation to Abolish Child Sex Abuse) released the following statement regarding passage of HB 1947.

“Today we have witnessed a major step forward in our battle to find justice for the victims of child sex abuse in Pennsylvania. HB 1947 is not perfect – but it provides an opportunity for justice for child sex abuse victims, who would have the ability, under the law, to bring civil suits against the people who abused them and the institutions which sheltered those abusers.

This bill would not exist without the courageous, relentless support of Rep. Mark Rozzi. He has played a leadership role for the several years in advocating for the reform of outdated statute of limitations related to child sex abuse. We salute his bravery and determination. He is a champion for the rights of children in our Commonwealth. We also commend Rep. Thomas Murt for his advocacy and commitment to this cause.

The bill will now go to the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration. We are confident that Chairman Stewart Greenleaf will lend his support to quickly moving the bill to the floor of the Senate for a vote. Senator Greenleaf has worked to protect children from abuse for decades, and was among the first in the Commonwealth to advocate for progressive laws related to child sex abuse.

FACSA will continue to press for the passage of this and other laws to protect children. The time is long overdue for Pennsylvania to support those who have been abused rather than their abusers.”