MADISON, WI (WHBL) - Governor Scott Walker was busy Wednesday signing ten bills into law that had recently passed the state Legislature.
One of the bills that were signed was co-authored by area State Senator Devin LeMahieu, and will give victims of sexual assault more time to come forward. It will extend the criminal statute of limitation for second and third degree sexual assault charges from six to ten years, putting it more in line with other states across the nation.
In a statement, LeMahieu said the idea for the law was courtesy of a constituent who told him she was sexually assaulted in college. However, she could not bring her case to court since she waited longer than six years to be comfortable enough to do so, meaning no charges can be brought against her accused offender.
Another author for the bill, State Senator Julie Lassa, said in a statement the bill will provide those traumatized by sexual assault to have ample time to recover and then try to bring their attacker to justice.