Bill would extend statute of limitations for child sex abuse claims
Victims of childhood sexual abuse would have additional time to seek damages from their abusers under legislation introduced Monday in the Georgia House.
House Bill 17, by state Rep. Jason Spencer, R-Woodbine, would extend the statute of limitations for civil suits from five years to 35 years for anyone who was sexually abused before the age of 18.
The bill, which has bipartisan support, also would provide a two-year window for past victims to seek damages if they have not yet come forward.
The bill would apply to victims of rape, sodomy, child molestation, pandering, incest or sexual battery.
Finally, victims of childhood sexual abuse would have access to records of any investigation related to the case.
— Aaron Gould Sheinin
Legislation aims to honor fox as state mammal
Not the agile deer, not the rumbling black bear nor the lowly squirrel. Not even a scrunchy-faced bulldog.
No, one state lawmaker wants to designate the gray fox as Georgia’s official state mammal.
State Rep. Carolyn Hugley, D-Columbus, has filed House Bill 70, which would add the fox to Georgia’s list of official state critters, joining the right whale (official state marine mammal), the bobwhite (official state game bird) and the brown thrasher (official state bird).
The gray fox is “salt and pepper” gray with patches of reddish fur on the neck, flanks, legs and underside of the tail, according to Henry County Animal Control. They typically weigh between 8 and 12 pounds and are 34-40 inches long.
They are native to the eastern forests of Georgia and are more common in southeast Georgia.
— Aaron Gould Sheinin
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