Mar. 02, 2016
HARRISBURG-- In response to a grand jury finding that hundreds of children were abused by at least 50 priests and other church associates in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown for nearly a half century, Rep. Thomas Murt (R-Montgomery/Philadelphia) is asking the House Judiciary Committee to vote on legislation he introduced to change the statute of limitations for victims of child sexual abuse.
House Bill 1446 would establish a two-year window for victims of sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits when the current 12-year statute of limitations has expired. It also adds language to include victims of child pornography under his legislation.
“A two-year window has been called for by every grand jury that has investigated child sex abuse,” Murt said. “Victims of childhood sexual abuse in Pennsylvania are being denied justice. There is sufficient documentation available for these cases to go forward, but special interests are holding back justice for these victims.”
At a news conference Tuesday, Attorney General Kathleen Kane released a grand jury report that revealed over four decades hundreds of children were sexually abused by priests and religious leaders in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown.
“Unfortunately, no charges can be filed as the time limit set by law to bring charges has expired,” Murt said. “We must change this. Children of sex abuse do not have the wherewithal to step forward and confront their assailants. My bill at least gives law enforcement a better chance at successful prosecutions.”
Representative Thomas P. Murt
152nd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: David Foster
267.207.0207
dfoster@pahousegop.com
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