Pa. On Verge Of Extending Time For Abuse Charges
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A bill to provide more time to file charges or lawsuits over sexual abuse is on its way to Pennsylvania's governor.
The House sent the statute-of-limitations bill to Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf with a 182-5 vote on Thursday.
The House also sent legislation to invalidate confidentiality agreements that aim to keep child sexual abuse victims from talking to investigators.
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Wolf says he'll sign the bills and companion legislation clarifying penalties for mandated reporters who don't report suspected child abuse.
The move capped a debate propelled by last year's landmark grand jury report into child molestation by Roman Catholic priests.
A proposed constitutional amendment to give now-adult victims of child sexual abuse a new opportunity to sue abusers and institutions has passed both chambers but must do so again in the 2021-22 session.
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