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Minutes for HB2306 - Committee on Judiciary
Short Title
Extending the time that victims of child sex abuse have to bring a cause of action.
Minutes Content for Tue, Feb 11, 2020
Natalie Scott provided an overview of HB2306. (Attachment 4) She stood for questions.
Kathryn Robb provided testimony in support of the bill. (Attachment 5) Ms. Robb is a survivor of childhood abuse and the Executive Director CHILD USAdvocacy, a 501(c)(4) organization dedicated to protecting children's civil liberties. Ms. Robb stated that as they learn more about the science behind sexual abuse her and her organization continue to help put legislation in place to protect the victims. She explained it is very common for victims not to speak about their abuse until their in their 50's, making is necessary for no statue of limitations on laws associated with with this crime. She commended the membership for taking this legislation head-on.
Usha Reddi provided testimony in support of the bill. (Attachment 6) Ms. Reddi stated that Kansas has already done the right thing in criminal cases by having no Statue of Limintations. This bill needs passed to allow the same in civil proceedings. She testified as a victim of sexual abuse that occurred when she was young. She did not file any charges until she was 53, nearly 40 years after the abuse occurred. In her case she lived in Virginia, where there is no Statue of Limitations.
Susan Leighnor provided testimony in support of the bill. (Attachment 7) Ms. Leighnor was a victim of child abuse within Holy Cross Catholic Church and C.C.D. classes in Hutchinson, Kansas. She explained within the Catholic Church the religion they have been taught was used against her by telling her she would burn in hell if she talked about the incident. She supports this bill stating the Catholic Church should be held accountable for their actions and she should be able to seek justice no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.
Joe Cheray provided testimony in support of the bill. (Attachment 8) Ms. Cheray testified about the abuse she suffered as a child at the hands of her grandfather. She is asking for your support of the bill.
Rodger Faherty Jr.provided testimony in support of the bill. (Attachment 9) Mr. Faherty Jr. was a victim of child abuse. He spoke of his abuse within the Church of The Good Shepherd in Shawnee, Kansas. He has suffered mentally and physically as a result of the abuse and continues to be angry and unhappy.
Roger Faherty Sr. provided testimony in support of the bill. (Attachment 10) Mr Faherty Sr. spoke of the difficulty they had trying to get those responsible for the abuse of their son to be held accountable. He submitted a letter of apology from Fr. Christopher Popravak, OFM Capuchine Provincial Minister that did little to correct the injustice suffered by their family.
Dennis A. Butler Ph.D. provided testimony in support of the bill. (Attachment 11) Mr. Butler said when a child is sexually abused their soul is murdered. He spoke to how the victims suffer a long time and trust, relationships, etc. is often an issue for the rest of their lives.
Lesa Patteson-Kiney provided testimony in support of the bill. (Attachment 12) Ms. Patterson-Kiney offered the perspective of a minor being abused. She stated that often they don't speak up because even though they are in a terrible situation the prospect of being removed from their home is equally as terrifying. She was abused in a small town where the foster homes were known and more terrifying than the know terror she was dealing with.
The hearing was opened for questions to all of those appearing as conferees. Representative Cindy Holscher offered to contact Kathryn Robb (who had to leave to catch a flight) and pose any questions to her from the committee.
Chairperson Patton directed the membership to refer to multiple written testimonies provided in their bill folders.
Proponent Written
- Cecelia Simon, Child Sexual Abuse Survivor (Attachment 13)
- Sara Rust-Martin, Director of Legal and Policy, KCSDV (Attachment 14)
- Jae Moyer, Citizen (Attachment 15)
- Marci Hamilton, CEO & Academic Director, CHILD USA (Attachment 16)
- Carol Shimeall, Olathe, Kansas (Attachment 17)
- Patricia Domingue, Victim (Attachment 18)
- Carissa Stanton MD, Overland Park, KS (Attachment 19)
- Kim Jaime, Survivor of long-term sexual abuse (Attachment 20)
- Julie Donelon, President & CEO, Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (Attachment 21)
- Kim T. Parker, Kansas County & District Attorney’s (Attachment 22)
- Juliane Walker/Kim T. Parker, Children’s Advocacy Center of Kansas (Attachment 23)
- Cheryl Pilate, Attorney, Morgan Pilate L.L.C. (Attachment 24)
- John Faherty, M. Sgt., USAF (Retired) (Attachment 25)
Neutral
Chuck Weber provided neutral testimony for the HB2306. (Attachment 26) Mr. Weber began by explaining he is the face of the Catholic Church today and personally apologized to all the victims in the room.
Chairperson Patton directed the membership to refer to a piece of opponent testimony in their bill folders. He closed the hearing.
Opponent Written
Sherman Joyce, American Tort Reform (Attachment 27)
Chairperson Patton adjourned the meeting at 5:20.
