Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Eye On Boise

Child abuse lawsuit bill passes House

Victims of child sexual abuse in Idaho will have more time to sue their abusers under a bill the House passed Monday, reports S-R reporter Parker Howell. Despite concern that the legislation would expose employers to undue liability for workers' abusive acts, lawmakers voted 60-7 for House Bill 125, which gives victims five years to sue after they discover abuse that has caused long-term health effects. Victims currently have until age 23. Many victims are not able to come to terms with abuse until "well into their adult years," necessitating more time for them to seek damages, said sponsor Rep. Mack Shirley, R-Rexburg. The bill allows victims to sue abusers' employers if they have shown "gross negligence" in hiring or training practices or have covered up a worker's abusive behavior, said Rep. James Ruchti, D-Pocatello, an attorney who practices employment-related law. That standard protects businesses, he said. Read Howell’s full story here in today’s Spokesman-Review. The bill now moves to the Senate.



Eye On Boise

News, happenings and more from the Idaho Legislature and the state capital.