Assembly backs legislation to extend statute of limitations for child sexual abuse victims

CARSON CITY — The Assembly backed legislation that extends the statute of limitations for victims of child sexual abuse to sue their perpetrators.

Assembly members voted 38-0 on the bill on Monday, with four lawmakers absent.

Assembly Bill 145 extends the statute of limitations from 10 years to 20 years. The clock on the statute of limitations would start after a victim turns 18 or discovers an injury was caused by the abuse, whichever comes later.

The vote will support victims and give them the courage to come forward, said a bill sponsor, Assemblywoman Lisa Krasner, R-Reno.

“For far too long, these victims have hid in the shadows because of shame or fear,” Krasner told lawmakers before the vote.

Another sponsor of the bill is Speaker Pro Tem Irene Bustamante Adams, D-Las Vegas. The bill now goes to the Senate.

Contact Ben Botkin at bbotkin@reviewjournal.com or 775-461-0661. Follow @BenBotkin1 on Twitter.