The State Senate has given final approval to SB 5, legislation cracking down on child sex offenders and pornographers and has sent the bill to the House.
There are several components of this bill, which is sponsored by Senator John Loudon (R-Chesterfield). Among them: A victim would be allowed to sue his or her abuser well into the future. The civil action could be started by the time the victim reaches the age of 31, or within three years of the date the plaintiff discovers that physical or psychological injury was caused by a sexual offense – whichever occurs later.
Loudon says extending the statute of limitations is important because a young person can be victimized, in cyberspace, for many years to come.
This legislation would also strengthen mandatory sentencing guidelines for abusers of children. Anyone who pleads guilty to or is convicted of possession of child pornography or promoting it would, depending on the age of the child, would face mandatory jail time.
