Child Sex Abuse Bill Unanimously Clears the House

Submitted by Nancy Smith on April 26, 2010 - 11:56am

Despite Catholic Church opposition, Protect Our Kids First legislation, HB 525 sponsored by Rep. Chris Dorworth, R-Heathrow, passed the Florida House of Representatives by a vote of 110-0. Upon passage, the House immediately certified the bill, thereby delivering it to the Senate where it is scheduled to be heard on Special Order Calendar today. A final vote in the Senate could come as soon as tomorrow.

House Bill 525 repeals the statutes of limitations for acts of child sexual abuse. The Senate companion bill, SB 870, is sponsored by Sen. Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres.

Child advocates have fought for this legislation for six years. And this year Lauren Book-Kim finished a dramatic 500-mile run in the Capitol courtyard to publicize the plight of sexually abused children.

Today's unanimous vote came in spite of opposition by the Florida Catholic Conference.To their credit, Sen. Aronberg and Rep. Dorworth rejected the Catholic Conferences efforts and continue to stand with protecting children from sexual predators.

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