Statute of limitations could increase for sexually assaulted children

Senators advanced a bill from general file Jan. 27 that would increase the statute of limitations for victims who were sexually assaulted as children.

LB612, introduced by Omaha Sen. Pete Pirsch, would increase the statute of limitations to up to 32 years of age for children who were victims of sexual or attempted sexual assault. The current statute of limitations is up to 25 years old.

Pirsch said children who are sexually abused tend not to disclose the abuse for a number of reasons, including fear and embarrassment. The bill recognizes that children need reasonable accommodation and time to be able to come to terms with the damage they suffered, he said.

Omaha Sen. Gwen Howard supported the bill, calling it “cruel” to put children on the stand to testify against their abusers.

“Twelve years is not too long to give someone, as an adult, the opportunity to reconcile this issue with themselves or through counseling,” she said.

The Judiciary Committee offered a clarifying amendment that was adopted 35-0 and the bill advanced from general file on a 35-0 vote.