Bill to extend statute of limitations for child sex crimes advances in state House

State lawmakers are moving forward with efforts to extend the statute of limitations on child sex abuse crimes in Tennessee.

The House Judiciary Committee advanced a bill Wednesday that would extend both civil and criminal statutes of limitations for these crimes.

"It expands it," said Rep. Bill Dunn, the Knoxville Republican sponsoring House Bill 0565. "Makes it easier for someone whose undergone sexual abuse to go ahead and bring charges."

A statute of limitations, intended to protect people from unfair prosecution, puts an expiration date on pursuing legal action.

Read more: https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2019/03/27/tennessee-bill-extend-statute-child-sex-crimes-advances/3290332002/