Movement Aims To Replace Statute Of Limitations Bill On Sex Crimes

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There's a movement in Pierre to draft the replacement of House Bill 11-04, which would change the statute of limitations when it comes to sexual abuse cases.

The original bill was passed in 2010.

The current bill says if a victim doesn't report sexual abuse by a certain age, then their perpetrator or organization cannot be prosecuted.

Robert Brancato, a child sex abuse survivor, says that’s not right and he's working with Representative Hickey from Sioux Falls to rescind the bill.

Brancato says the bottom line is that they want to let the perpetrator know they will be held responsible.

And it's important for officials in a position of trust to report abuse to the authorities.

Robert Brancato, from the SNAP Support Group, says, "To me anyone in a position of trust, like a priest a principal, or a school official, in my opinion, and my advocacy I believe that should be a mandatory reporter position.  They must go to the proper authorities by covering it up it only perpetuates the abuse."

Also South Dakota Senator Mark Johnson is proposing a bill that would eliminate the statute of limitations for rape cases in the state.

Currently, South Dakota prosecutors can only charge a suspect in a rape case up to seven years after the crime was committed or until the victim is 25, whichever is longer.