Ohio bill would extend prosecution time for rapists

By Marc Kovac | May 14, 2015 at 12:00a.m.

COLUMBUS

The Ohio House passed legislation that would extend potential prosecution of rapists beyond the current statute of limitations for such crimes.

House Bill 6 was approved Tuesday on a vote of 91-0 and heads to the Ohio Senate for further consideration. Senators signed off on similar legislation earlier this year.

Under current law, prosecution of rape or sexual-battery crimes generally must begin within 20 years of an offense. HB 6 would extend the time frame to 25 years, with additional time allowed in cases in which DNA evidence can pinpoint perpetrators.

“Currently, survivors have 20 years to see their attackers brought to justice,” said Rep. Sarah LaTourette, R-Bainbridge, a primary co-sponsor of the legislation. “Now while some people might insist that 20 years is plenty of time for our legal system to ensure this happens, I would simply ask, but what about when it’s not? Is that the victim’s fault? Is the crime any less vile 20 years and one day later?”

LaTourette cited work by the attorney general’s office to test rape-kit evidence around the state. Of the thousands of kits tested to date, more than one-third have identified a DNA match. Hundreds of those come from crimes that were committed 19 or more years ago.

Rep. Greta Johnson, D-Akron, supported the legislation but voiced concern that the proposed law changes wouldn’t cover older rape cases without DNA evidence.

“The DNA extension is well-intended,” she said. “But it inherently creates a two-tiered system of victims, the haves and the have nots. ... This extension that relies on DNA, it inherently tells those victims whose cases do not have DNA evidence, you are not as credible, your case is not as worthy, we don’t believe in you. And that’s not acceptable.”

HB 6 was passed with an emergency clause, meaning it would take effect immediately after lawmakers pass and the governor adds his signature.