Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Governor Minner Signs Senate Bill 29
Dover – Today Governor Ruth Ann Minner signed Senate Bill 29, legislation that amends Title 10 of the Delaware Code by removing the statute of limitations for civil suits relating to child sexual abuse. The bill, sponsored by Senator Karen Peterson, Senator David McBride, Representative Deborah Hudson, and Representative Greg Lavelle, also provides a two-year window in which victims can bring a civil action in cases previously barred by the current statute.
“Ever since we passed Megan’s Law in 1998, we’ve been working to refine and strengthen Delaware’s laws relating to sex offenders,” said Governor Ruth Ann Minner. “Sexual predators that victimize children are learning that Delaware is not going to tolerate their horrendous crimes against the children of our state. I applaud the efforts of Senator Peterson and all of the co-sponsors for taking the lead on passing this vitally important legislation.”
This legislation changes the statute of limitations, which is currently two years, so that going forward there will no longer be a statute of limitations for a cause of action based upon the sexual abuse of a minor. Additionally, SB 29 provides that victims of child sexual abuse, who are barred from filing a law suit against their abuser due to the expiration of a statute of limitation, can file a claim in Superior Court for a period of two years.
"Rep. Deborah Hudson and I are proud to have played a role in getting this landmark legislation passed,” said Senator Karen Peterson, the bill's author and primary sponsor. “As a result of its passage, Delaware's children are safer, child sexual abuse victims can finally get justice, and those who molest children will find that they no longer have a safe haven in Delaware."
