Louisiana House Bill HR315

Louisiana 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/6/19
• Passed: 6/6/19

Caption

Requests the Administration of Criminal Justice Committee to study the practicality of increasing the time to prosecute certain sex offenses

Impact

If the resolution leads to legislative changes, it would significantly alter the statutes governing the prosecution of sex offenses in Louisiana. Specifically, HR315 proposes to extend the time frame for prosecuting sex offenses not involving minors to ten years, with the possibility of an additional fifteen years if new evidence comes to light. For offenses against minors, it suggests extending the existing thirty-year limit by another fifteen years under similar conditions. These changes could empower more victims to seek justice by allowing them a longer period to come forward after the incident.

Summary

House Resolution 315 (HR315) urges the House Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice to study the potential impact of extending the prosecution time limits for certain sex offenses. The resolution highlights the gravity of sexual assault in the U.S., emphasizing that many victims don't report these crimes due to various reasons, thereby hiding the true extent of the issue. It recognizes that current Louisiana law has specific timeframes for initiating prosecutions of sex-related crimes, which vary based on factors such as the age of the victim involved.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HR315 appears to be supportive, particularly from advocates for victims' rights who argue that extended time limits are necessary to bring perpetrators to justice in light of the challenges many survivors face when reporting crimes. However, there may be some contention regarding the feasibility and implications of such extended timelines, particularly in terms of the presumption of innocence and the potential difficulties in prosecuting older cases due to fading evidence over time.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise in discussions about the implications of extending prosecution timelines. Critics may argue that doing so could complicate legal proceedings and place excessive burdens on the criminal justice system. Additionally, there could be concerns about how such changes might affect the rights of the accused, as older cases may rely heavily on witness recollections and evidence that may not be as robust as in more recent cases. It is crucial for the House Committee to gather comprehensive input from various stakeholders as they study this resolution to ensure that any recommendations are well-informed and balanced.