Harrisburg, Pa., Nov 27, 2019 / 13:01 pm
Pennsylvania governor Tom Wolf signed into law Tuesday three bills on child sex abuse, which were recommended by the state's 2018 grand jury report on allegations of clerical sexual abuse of minors.
"These bills will today become law, and victims of one of the most unimaginable forms of abuse will receive the support and rights they deserve," Wolf said Nov. 26. "And while we celebrate the monumental victory of many survivors of childhood sexual abuse finally receiving their opportunity for justice, we must continue pushing forward until every survivor, of every age, has the chance to tell his or her story."
The first law abolishes the state's criminal statute of limitations on child sex abuse and extends the timeline victims have to file civil action against their abusers. It also extends the statutes of limitations for victims age 18-24, and provides funds for counseling services.
The second increases penalties for failure to report child abuse by a mandated reporter, and the third exempts conversations with law enforcement agents from non-disclosure agreements.