ATLANTA— State Representative Jason Spencer (R-Woodbine) commented on the House Judiciary Non-Civil Subcommittee’s passage of House Bill 771 at the committee’s hearing on Monday, February 10. Sponsored by Rep. Spencer, HB 771 would extend the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse cases.
“I believe the statute of limitations should be extended significantly. When a child is sexually abused, it is like the soul of the child has been murdered. The child is changed forever,” said Rep. Spencer. “A child who is a victim of these silent crimes should have the opportunity to confront their perpetrator when they are empowered and ready. Adult perpetrators will now be put on notice and held accountable for their actions.”
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 up against his or her abuser until they reach the age of 30. The Pak Subcommittee of the Judiciary Non-Civil Committee passed HB 771 on February 10, 2014.
During Monday’s Committee meeting, Angela Williams, author of “From Sorrows to Sapphires” and founder of Voice Today, testified in support of the bill:
“Once a child has been sexually abused they are given a life sentence. The question becomes ‘how does a victim get justice in a civil action when the existing statute of limitations is only 5 years?’ Most survivors don’t speak up until they are older and by then, according to the current law, it is too late to prosecute their abusers. This bill can bring reform necessary for victims to obtain justice in a civil action. In 2012 Georgia removed the statute of limitations on criminal prosecution of child sexual abuse cases. Criminal prosecution of child sexual abuse cases is challenging at best and this bill will bring greater justice by reforming the civil statute of limitation,” said Williams.
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.
###