Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse Act

Representative Doug Lamborn (CO-05) released the following statement: 

"As the nation rallies in support the 156 victims of sexual assault who gained justice in court last week, Capitol Hill joins our citizens in saying, "No more."  I'm proud to join a bi-partisan effort to protect and empower young athletes and our communities that support them through the, "Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse Act". Once signed into law, coaches and adults associated with national amateur sports organizations would be required to report suspected child abuse to law enforcement within 24 hours of gaining reasonable suspicion. The new law includes an oversight body to receive and investigate reports of abuse. Additionally, national sports organizations would be required to establish reporting and abuse prevention policies. Covered individuals who fail to report a suspected case of child abuse to law enforcement can be fined or sentenced to as long as one year in prison. Additionally, the new legislation extends the statute of limitations for federal child abuse cases allowing a case to be brought forward within 10 years of the violation or discovery of the injury that forms the basis for the claim, whichever is later. In the case of minors, suit could be filed within 10 years after a victim turning 18. Today's effort goes beyond a House Bill passed in May by establishing and funding the U.S. Center for Safe Sport as the oversight body over the U.S. Olympic Committee and all other national governing bodies to ensure compliance and resolution of the new efforts to protect athletes."