HB 104 -- SEXUAL OFFENSES

The bill allows prosecutions for sexual offenses involving a
person 18 years of age or under to be commenced within 10 years
from the time the victim reaches 18 years of age.  Under current
law, the prosecution must commence within 10 years after
commission of the offense.

HB 104 -- PROSECUTIONS FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES (Bonner)

The bill allows prosecutions for sexual offenses involving a
person 18 years of age or under to be commenced within 10 years
from the time the victim reaches 18 years of age.  Under current
law, the prosecution must commence within 10 years after
commission of the offense.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

HB 104 -- PROSECUTIONS FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES

SPONSOR:  Bonner

COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Criminal Law by a vote of 14 to 0.

The bill allows prosecutions for sexual offenses involving a
person 18 years of age or under to be commenced within 10 years
from the time the victim reaches 18 years of age.  Under current
law, the prosecution must commence within 10 years after
commission of the offense.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS: Supporters say the bill places Missouri in a similar
position to states such as Arkansas, Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois
that allow an extended statute of limitation period for
prosecution of sexual offenses.  The additional time allows
young victims to mature and realize that a sexual crime was
committed against them.  Also, the extended statute of
limitation allows victims to overcome the silence due to fear of
the perpetrator.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Bonner; and Anna, a
victim.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Michael Warrick, Research Analyst

HB 104 -- Prosecutions For Sexual Offenses

Sponsor:  Bonner

The bill allows prosecutions for sexual offenses involving a
person 18 years of age or under to be commenced within 10 years
from the time the victim reaches 18 years of age.  Under current
law, the prosecution must commence within 10 years after
commission of the offense.