Sexual-abuse statute bill hearing to resume May 29
DOVER -- The House Judiciary Committee will continue its hearing on a bill that would eliminate the civil statute of limitations in cases of child sexual abuse at 1 p.m. May 29.

Time ran out before even half of those who wished to comment on the bill had opportunity to do so at the committee's first hearing May 10 on S.B. 29, sponsored by Sen. Karen Peterson, D-Stanton. Committee Chairman Robert Valihura, R-Laurel Ridge, said all who signed up to speak May 10 would be welcome to speak Tuesday, and others will be allowed to add their names to the list of speakers if they wish to do so.

The Senate passed the bill unanimously last month.

The bill would eliminate the time limit for filing suit in child sexual-abuse cases. Delaware's civil statute of limitations now is two years. The bill also would open a two-year period during which claims previously barred by the time limit could be filed.