Assemblywoman Lisa Krasner, R-Reno, Speaker Pro Tempore Irene Bustamante Adams, D-Las Vegas, and attorney Gloria Allred testify on Wednesday, March 1, 2017, before the Assembly Judiciary Committee about Assembly Bill 145, which would extend the Nevada statute of limitations for victims of child sexual abuse to sue. (Ben Botkin/Las Vegas Review-Journal)
By BEN BOTKINLAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
CARSON CITY — The Assembly Judiciary Committee on Friday passed a bill that would give child sexual abuse victims another decade to sue their perpetrators.
Assembly Bill 145 would extend the Nevada statute of limitations for victims to sue by another decade, from 10 years to 20 years. The clock on the statute of limitations would start after a victim turns 18 or discovers an injury was caused by the abuse, whichever comes later.
Normally I would go slightly ballistic at the idea of any limits on a survivor's right to sue. But this 20 year limit from 18, or the time of discovery of an injury, whichever comes later, seems like a fairly reasonable compromise with the rights of the accused to a fair trial. It all depends on what is meant by 'injury'. If injury includes becoming aware of psychological or emotional damage, then I think it is a good deal.
Supporters say the measure would help victims who often take years to realize that they were victimized as children and confront their abusers.
The measure passed unanimously and now goes to the full Assembly for a vote.
The bill is sponsored by Assemblywoman Lisa Krasner, R-Reno, and Speaker Pro Tem Irene Bustamante Adams, D-Las Vegas. Several other lawmakers signed on as co-sponsors.
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