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Current Legislation You Should Support
There are two Bills in the Maryland Legislature that are now being considered by the House Judiciary Committee. Please review the Bills and write or call your representatives as soon as possible to encourage then to support
these bills.
House Bill 1147
Extending the time for the filing of specified civil actions relating to child sexual abuse; and providing that the Act may be applied retroactively.
House Bill 1148
Extending the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse actions to 24 years after the date that the victim attains the age of majority.
UPDATE: On March 9th the House Judiciary Committee heard testimony from approximately 40 individuals in support of the bill. Unfortunately, Catholic Church officials and approximately 5 others testified against the bill.
Ms. Jane Belford, on behalf of the Archdiocese of Washington, presented testimony that details their opinions. Ms. Belford's testimony can be found on the Archdiocese's web site.
After hearing and reading the Archdiocese's testimony, our sister affiliate, Voice of the Faithful Montgomery County, sent a letter to Chairman Vallerio of the Judiciary Committee,
rebutting many of the Archdiocese's positions and claims. Ms. Judith Miller, of VOTF Montgomery County, wrote offering
detailed information and facts "bearing on several of the claims and arguments presented
by Catholic Church officials". Read the above position by the Archdiocese and the full text of
Ms. Miller's rebuttal letter and judge for yourself. Then write a letter or call your representative.
Baltimore Sun Editorial
Read a Baltimore Sun Editorial on Statute of Limitations legislation in Maryland.
The Editorial says legislators "must focus on the needs of citizens who find the road to justice blocked. This is legislators' opportunity to ensure that public accountability for child abuse is attainable so that it becomes another deterrent to this horrible crime. "
Sample Letter and Judiciary Member Listing
We offer a sample letter that should give you possible ideas for communicating with the Maryland Legislature. In order for the Bills to become law they must first be reviewed in the House Judiciary Committee.
Moving it through Judiciary may be the most formidable challenge for these Bills. So, we encourage you to write to members of
the Judiciary Committee. Here's a listing of MD House Judiciary Members- MSWord format or PDF format.
The sample letter is in MSWord format, so, if you want to use any of the text simply click the link and open it in MSWord.
If you'd like to simply review the letter you may view the pdf version.
You may copy and paste as you see fit.
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