In order to protect the victims of child sexual offenses, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 1070. This bill will increase the time frame for bringing criminal charges for certain child sexual offenses from 25 years to 30 years after the victim turns 18.
It is often difficult for victims of these crimes to come forward and press charges. It is our goal to provide them more flexibility to come forward on their own terms and seek justice.
The legislation, which also extends the statute of limitations from 15 to 30 years for civil actions, applies to crimes committed after July 1, 2025. It applies to many charges including rape of a child, sexual exploitation of a minor, and continuous sexual abuse of a minor.
Senate Bill 1070 moves to the Senate Floor for further consideration.
Increasing penalty for child abuse – The Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 693 to increase the penalty for child abuse. Currently, a person who commits child abuse by knowingly harming a child between the ages of 9 and 17, will be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. This bill will increase the charge to a Class E felony. Knowingly harming a child under the age of 9 is currently a Class D felony. Senate Bill 693 moves to Senate Finance committee.
Steve Southerland serves the constituents of State Senate District 09 which includes the following counties: Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Sevier, and Unicoi. He is a member of the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee, the Joint Fiscal Review Committee, and the Government Operations Committee.
