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House Passes Tough Sexual Assault Bill
HB 210 Would Eliminate Civil and Criminal Statute of Limitations

(JUNEAU) - A bill removing the statute of limitations on felony sexual assault passed the House unanimously today on reconsideration.

House Bill 210, sponsored by Rep. Kevin Meyer (R-Anchorage), would take advantage of technological advances in genetic testing and evidence collection to allow sexual assault crimes to be prosecuted no matter how much time has passed.

"Advances in DNA testing and evidence collection are allowing law enforcement officials to do a better job of preserving the purity of evidence," Meyer said. "If a sexual assault crime can be prosecuted even 20 years after the time it occurs, then it should be able to be prosecuted."

HB 210 would add felony sexual assault involving penetration to the list of serious crimes against a person in which no statute of limitations applies.

"Currently in our state laws, only murder and sexual abuse of a minor do not have a statute of limitations," Meyer said. "I believe sexual assault is second only to murder and that our laws should protect a victim's right to justice."

The bill was amended on the floor to make it clear that the removal of the statute of limitations would allow civil, as well as criminal cases, to be filed at any time after an alleged assault.

HB 210 moves next to the Senate for consideration.

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