COLUMBUS, Ohio — In a move aimed at empowering survivors of sexual assault, two Democratic state representatives in Ohio, Tavia Galonski and Jessica Miranda, have introduced a new bill in the Ohio General Assembly. The bill seeks to amend sections 2305.111, 2901.13, and 2933.82, and to enact section 2305.119 of the Revised Code to eliminate the statute of limitations for the criminal prosecution of a person for rape and for a civil action brought by a victim of conduct that would constitute rape.
The proposed legislation would also extend the statute of limitations for a civil action by a victim of childhood sexual abuse other than rape. Currently, the law states that there is a two-year statute of limitations for bringing a civil lawsuit, but the proposed legislation would extend this time period until the victim reaches 55-years-of-age.
One impetus for this bill came after Chillicothe business mogul Bill McKell openly admitted on social media to sexually abusing boys while serving as a leader for the Boy Scouts of America in the 1980s and 1990s. Under current Ohio law, McKell cannot be prosecuted for his crimes, and this has led to a major push to eliminate the statute of limitations for sexual assault in the state.
Bill McKell Confession:
If the bill is passed, no statute of limitations would exist for civil action, and the time period for prosecution would be extended indefinitely. The bill has been met with both support and opposition, with some arguing that it could lead to false accusations and that the burden of proof could become too difficult for defendants.
However, supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to ensure that survivors of sexual assault can seek justice, regardless of when the crime occurred.
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