Sen. Gerzofsky Sponsors Bill to Strengthen Sexual Assault Laws

AUGUSTA – State Senator Stan Gerzofsky (D-Brunswick) has sponsored a bill to strengthen the laws regarding sexual crimes.

“There is no excuse for sexual assault, ever,” said Senator Gerzofsky.

The bill would extend the statute of limitations for criminal prosecution of these crimes to ten years, and allow for an unlimited window of time for a victim to pursue a civil action. The bill relates specifically to sexual acts committed by persons of authority, including teachers, employers, health care providers (including social workers), and spiritual advisors.

“It is an abuse of power to have sex with a patient, student, employee or anyone else whom you wield a higher-than-average level of influence with,” said Senator Gerzofsky. “This bill spells that out in very plain language.”

The bill, L.D. 1491, received a public hearing Wednesday in the Criminal Justice & Public Safety Committee, which Senator Gerzofsky chairs. The committee will conduct a work session on the bill at a later date yet to be determined.

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