By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a bill that would amend the law to allow prosecutors to bring rape charges at any time if the perpetrator is identified through DNA evidence collected from a victim. Currently, the 15-year statute of limitations is a barrier to prosecution of serial offenders, as more than 15 years may elapse before a perpetrator is identified through DNA evidence.

“By eliminating the statute of limitations when DNA evidence is matched to a perpetrator, this bill will enable more successful prosecution of sexual predators,” said co-sponsor Rep. Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury). “I co-filed this bill … because every survivor of sexual violence deserves justice, and removing this barrier to prosecution will help get dangerous predators off the streets.”

“No arbitrary time limit should stand in the way of survivors getting justice for horrific crimes they endure or prevent prosecutors and law enforcement from getting dangerous predators off the streets,” said co-sponsor Rep. Adam Scanlon (D-North Attleborough). “[This] is an important step toward removing that obstacle that currently stands in the way of justice for so many survivors, and I will keep fighting for them until this bill is law.”