On Wednesday, Gov. Reynolds signed SF 562 into law.
The bill is an act relating to sexual exploitation by an adult providing training or instruction and statute of limitations time periods for certain criminal offenses committed on or with minors, and providing penalties and including effective date provisions.
“Today Iowa stands in support of survivors of sexual violence as we become the 14th state to eliminate the statute of limitations for these heinous crimes,” said Gov. Reynolds. “I also want to thank Kimberly Gleason, a survivor of sexual abuse as a child, who tirelessly advocated for this bill. Without her bravery and the willingness of so many other survivors to come forward, we wouldn’t be able to hold more abusers accountable for their crimes.”
“Starting today, the trauma that victims of child sex abuse endure will no longer outlive their ability to pursue criminal charges against their offenders. I am so honored and humbled to have had the opportunity to work with both our Iowa Senate and Iowa House, Republicans and Democrats alike, to make this happen,” said Kimberly Gleason. “Even if a victim does not choose to pursue criminal charges, I pray this will help to restore their power, and may it lead them to find their voice. The number of professionals I have been blessed to have met in this field is incredible, and exemplifies the power of showing up and being willing to walk alongside someone. You never know what one act of kindness will lead to, or the ripple effects it may have.”
