Rape Statute Of Limitations Bill Clears State Senate
SACRAMENTO (CBS SF/AP) -- Gov. Jerry Brown will decide whether to eliminate California's 10-year time limit to bring rape and child molestation charges after several women were precluded from bringing cases against actor Bill Cosby.
A measure the Senate approved unanimously Tuesday evening would apply only to crimes committed in the future. It would not allow Cosby's accusers to seek prosecution for sexual assault they say he committed decades ago.
Cosby has repeatedly denied the allegations made by dozens of women around the country.
Democratic Sen. Connie Leyva of Chino says victims should always have the opportunity to seek justice after such violent acts.
"The law as it is now in California is a sexual predator's best friend and a victim's worst enemy," said attorney Gloria Allred.
There's also a time table on the bill. The governor has until September 30th to sign it into law.
Currently 16 states have a similar law on the books. The women who testified in Sacramento want to make sure California is next.
"This is now a national issue. We want California to become a leader and completely eliminate it. We're holding out. That's what we want the governor to do," said Allred.
Civil rights groups and public offenders opposed SB813, saying the bill does not address the root causes of victims failing to report sex crimes.
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