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House votes on easing statute of limitations on sex abuse
Jul 30, 2006 | AP
Boston House lawmakers have voted to extend the statute of limitations for victims of child sexual abuse by 12 years.
Under the bill, the statute of limitations would be increased to 27 years from its current 15. That gives childhood victims until they are 43 years old to report sexual crimes.
Minority Leader Brad Jones hailed the bill as a "solid step" toward better protecting Massachusetts residents, specifically children, from sex offenders.
Opponents had wanted to eliminate the statute of limitations altogether saying sometimes it takes decades for victims to come forward.
The bill approved in the House would also force convicted sex offenders to register with the state's Sex Offender Registry Board before they are released from prison.
