Press Release: COMMON CAUSE ANNOUNCES A TOP LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY

Common Cause of Delaware
1304 N. Rodney St., Wilmington, Delaware 19806
For immediate release: March 4, 2007
contact: John Flaherty
(302) 521-0394
e-mail: jdf0000@aol.com

COMMON CAUSE ANNOUNCES A TOP LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY

Common Cause of Delaware has established its legislative priorities for the 144th session of the General Assembly. Senate Bill 29, sponsored by Sen. Karen Peterson, is a top priority.

SB 29 addresses child sexual abuse cases and would repeal the statute of limitations in civil suits relating to those abuse cases. For a period of two years following the effective date of the bill, victims of child sexual abuse, that occurred in Delaware and who have been barred from filing suit against their abusers because of the expiration of the former civil statute of limitations, will be permitted to file their claims in the Superior Court.

Any damages against the legal entity found responsible by the Court would be awarded only if there is a finding of gross negligence on the part of the legal entity.

Common Cause of Delaware believes it is government’s responsibility to protect the rights of its most vulnerable citizens, its children.

The passage of SB 29 will enable citizens to hold authority accountable, both individually and collectively, for abuse of power or willful negligence. Eleven senators and 28 representatives are co-sponsors of SB 29.

Common Cause is a nonpartisan, nonprofit citizens’ lobbying organization dedicated to government reform and accountability.