Georgia considers eliminating time limit on reporting rape

The Georgia Legislature is considering joining eight other states in eliminating the time limit for reporting sexual assault.

Senate Bill 287, proposed by state Sen. Harold V. Jones II, D-Augusta, would eliminate the statute of limitations for reporting rape, aggravated sexual battery and aggravated sodomy.

“It’s for the persons that, for whatever reason that may be, can’t come forward within the statute of limitations,” Jones said.

Under current law, victims cannot report any such case more than 15 years after the assault unless the victim was under 16 at the time or there is DNA evidence identifying the perpetrator.

The only other crime in Georgia with no statute of limitations is murder.