The State Senate has unanimously approved a measure to increase the statute of limitations for filing charges against suspected child molesters. House Bill 1013, by Rep. Larry Glenn, D-Miami, and Sen. Debbe Leftwich, D-OKC, would increase the statute of limitations from seven years after discovery of the crime to 12 years.

“Oklahoma currently has one of the shortest statutes of limitations in the entire country. In fact, 18 states have no time limitations whatsoever for filing charges against child predators. Increasing the time a victim has to press charges is a step in the right direction,” Leftwich said.

In 1990, the legislature amended state law to increase the statute of limitations from five to seven years. However, Sen. Leftwich said even that is not enough time for some victims.

“Children who are victims of sexual assault may be too frightened or ashamed to come forward until they are adults. When they finally do, some find out they waited too long—that means the person who abused them can continue to prey on other children. Increasing the statute of limitations means that more of these criminals will be brought to justice,” Leftwich said.

HB 1013 had previously won unanimous approval in the House as well. Sen. Leftwich said she expected Gov. Brad Henry to sign the measure into law.

For more information contact:
Senate Communications Office- (405) 521-5698