LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – Victims of childhood sexual abuse in Nebraska would have more time to sue their assailants, under a bill that advanced in the Legislature.
Lawmakers gave first-round approval Friday to a measure that would extend the time window to file lawsuits to 12 years after the victim turns 21. Current state law gives victims 4 years to sue.
Omaha Sen. Pete Pirsch says his bill (LB612) seeks to help victims who endured abuse but have not yet disclosed or come to terms with what happened to them. He says his bill would not apply to any cases that have now expired under the existing statute of limitations.
Lawmakers advanced the measure, 35-0. Two more votes are required before it reaches the governor.