MADISON – Today, Senate Democratic Leader Melissa Agard’s (D-Madison) bipartisan Child Victims’ Act received a public hearing in the Senate Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse Prevention, Children and Families.

Currently, civil charges regarding the sexual assault of a child must be brought forward before the alleged victim turns 35 years old. For criminal charges, either no statute of limitations exists or charges must be brought forth before the victim turns 45 years old. Senate Bill 302 extends the statute of limitations to file a civil action in court against a perpetrator of child sexual abuse to 45 years old.

Senator Agard released the following statement:

“It is imperative that we support survivors and provide them avenues to seek justice on their own terms, when they are ready. I am proud to be a part of this strong, bipartisan effort with Senator Jesse James (R – Altoona), Representative Gundrum (R – Slinger), and Representative Billings (D – La Crosse).”

“While no piece of legislation can ever erase the trauma of sexual violence and abuse, no one should experience barriers to justice. It is the role of the government to step up and provide for a safer, more compassionate path to healing - so that victims become survivors. It is time to put an end to keeping the known abuse of children in the shadows.

“I am grateful that this bill received a public hearing, and I look forward to seeing it move through the legislative process and to Governor Evers’ desk to be signed into law.”