Bill Would Extend Childhood Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Senate Judiciary Committee is set to hear a bill Tuesday that would extend the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse to 35 years if passed.

The bill is sponsored by Senator Donna M. Nesselbush (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, North Providence). Under the bill, the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims would be extended to 35 years from the current seven years. The increased window would also include claims against people or organizations who allowed for abuse to occur through negligence, concealment or other factors.

“Childhood sexual abuse is an issue which repulses virtually all Rhode Islanders, and Rhode Islanders are imploring their legislative leaders to significantly extend the statute of limitations for these claims. This will effectively open the doors to our court houses and allow for access to justice for countless survivors of childhood sexual abuse,” Sen. Nesselbush said in a statement.

Marci Hamilton, the founder and CEO of the Philadelphia organization Child USA will testify at Tuesday's hearing. The organization works to analyze and support laws that protect children across the country.

In addition, several childhood sexual abuse survivors are expected to share their stories at the hearing as well.

“As if the #MeTo and the #TimesUp movements were not enough, we now have a very disturbing documentary about Michael Jackson and daily disturbing news reports about R. Kelly. The time is now," Sen. Nesselbish added. "We cannot take another year to study this issue while victims continue to suffer, and we cannot re-victimize them, by forcing them to come to the State House year after year, begging for justice.”

Representative Carol Hagan McEntee (D-Dist. 33, South Kingstown, Narrgansett) sponsored a similar bill in the House of Representatives.