DENVER (AP) — A bill to double Colorado’s statute of limitations on sexual assaults from 10 years to 20 years has won initial approval in the state House.
One more vote sends the bill to the Senate.
Two Colorado women who claim Bill Cosby assaulted them decades ago testified recently that the bill would empower traumatized victims by giving them more time to come forward.
RELATED: Gloria Allred In Denver As Cosby Cases Prompt Colorado Bill Extending Time For Charges
The House rejected an attempt by Democratic sponsor Rep. Rhonda Fields to add auxiliary crimes to the extension, such as a robbery that might accompany an assault. The House did not reject the idea, but members decided the idea was too broad for a short floor debate.
Gloria Allred, Beth Ferrier, state Rep. Rhonda Fields and Heidi Thomas at the state Capitol on Feb. 11. (credit: CBS)
Several states are looking at sex assault statutes of limitations in response to allegations against Cosby and others.
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