If a bill aimed at lifting time restrictions in civil and criminal child sex abuse cases becomes law, a wave of new prosecutions and civil suits could wash over Pennsylvania. But according to attorneys, the litigation wouldn’t be without complications.
HB 1947, sponsored by Rep. Ron Marsico, R-Dauphin, easily cleared the House of Representatives on a 180-15 vote April 12. If enacted, it would increase the statute of limitations from 12 to 32 years upon turning 18 for victims to bring claims for civil damages. It would also eliminate the statute of limitations for criminal prosecutions tied to child sexual abuse.
