ATLANTA— State Representative Jason Spencer (R-Woodbine) announces the House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee’s passage of House Bill 771 at the committee’s hearing on Tuesday, February 25. Sponsored by Rep. Spencer, HB 771 would extend the statute of limitations for civil action in childhood sexual abuse cases. Having now made its way through the committee process, HB 771 has the potential to be called for a floor vote on Monday, March 3, otherwise known as “Crossover Day.”
“This is the most important piece of legislation in recent years to help extend the civil statute of limitations as it pertains to child sexual abuse cases,” said Rep. Spencer. “I am actively working to extend the statute of limitations on all cases of child sexual abuse in civil court. Extending the civil statute of limitations will serve as a public safety policy, as most young victims don’t expose their perpetrators until they become more mature, young adults. Exposing an accused perpetrator, who on average has 117 victims in their lifetime, will put adults on notice and help protect other children in their path for victimization.”
Under current Georgia law, a child sex abuse victim may only bring action against his or her abuser up to five years after the age of 18. Under HB 771, victims would be able to bring action against his or her abuser until they reach the age of 30. In 2012, Georgia removed the statute of limitations on criminal prosecution of child sexual abuse cases, and HB 771 will reform the civil limits to allow greater justice.
“Once a child has been sexually abused they are given a life sentence,” added Rep. Spencer. “The question becomes how does a victim get justice in a civil action before the statute runs out? Most survivors do not speak up until they are older and by then, according to the current law, it is too late to take action against their abusers. This bill can bring necessary reform for victims to obtain justice in a civil action.”
Child sexual abuse impacts 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys before their 18th birthday and only 1 in 10 will tell. Over 90% of victims are abused by someone they know, with 68% from within their own families.
For more information about HB 771, please click here.
Representative Jason Spencer represents the citizens of District 180, which includes Camden, Charlton, and Ware counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2010, and currently serves as the Secretary of the Special Rules Committee. He also serves on the Game Fish & Parks, Human Relations & Aging, and Juvenile Justice committees.
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