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Survivors, Legislators Push to Revive Statute of Limitations Bill

By Kody Leibowitz
WFMZ
September 27, 2016

http://wjactv.com/news/local/survivors-legislators-push-to-revive-statute-of-limitations-bill

Survivors, families and legislators took to the Capitol Tuesday to push forward changes in child abuse statute of limitations with the hope of again adding language some deem controversial others said is necessary.

A rally to revive the statute of limitations bill.

Rep. Mark Rozzi, along with colleagues and survivors of child sex abuse, stood inside the Capitol strongly urging the lawmakers to pass the statute of limitations months after it was introduced.

The bill would eliminate the criminal statute of limitations and extend civil statutes to age 50.

The bill currently sits in the House Rules committee, but Rozzi said he expects the bill will be voted out and voted on by house members, with retroactivity back in the bill.

In June, the Senate Judiciary committee took out that language, calling it unconstitutional.

Now supporters of the bill say there are enough experts that believe the language is constitutional and want the court to decide.

They call this bill important for all victims of child sex abuse, not just clergy abuse.

A spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference would not speak to us on camera but sent 6 News a statement.

"The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference does not oppose the elimination of the criminal statute of limitations,” the statement said. “We can all agree that anyone involved with the sexual abuse of a child should be severely punished by the law. Sexual predators should be locked behind bars and removed from society so they cannot hurt anyone else.

“We do share concerns along with the business community about how a retroactive measure will conflict with the Pennsylvania Constitution. No matter the final resolution with House Bill 1947, the Catholic Church will continue to keep its sincere commitment to the emotional well-being of individuals who have been impacted by the crime of childhood sexual abuse, no matter how long ago the crime was committed."

Rozzi said he expects the bill to be voted on with retroactivity soon. Then he says it's up to the senate.

 

 

 

 

 




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