Assemblyman Jim Beall and Molestation Victim Attorney Robert Allard Working to Strengthen California Child Molestation Laws

A Commitment to Enact Child Molestation Laws Favorable to Victims

California Assemblyman Jim Beall is announcing proposed legislation that would strengthen California’s child molestation laws.

The legislation was introduced with input from child molestation victims’ rights attorney Robert Allard and victims of USA Swimming coaching molestation.

If passed, Assembly Bill 1628 would outlaw confidential settlements involving charges of child sexual abuse, raise the statute of limitations for victims seeking civil justice from age 26 to age 35, and require private entities that use public property, such as a soccer field or swimming pool, to conduct enhanced background screenings on individuals having access to children. Assemblyman Beall said, “the law must be changed to protect children, not child molesters.”

“I have seen firsthand the horrific damage that is inflicted on victims of childhood sex abuse,” Allard said. “Most if not all of this abuse would have been prevented had these proposed laws been in place and followed at the time. I applaud Mr. Beall and his staff for taking the initiative on these measures. I have every confidence that the children residents of California will be safer if AB 1628 takes effect.”

The bill is scheduled to be heard April 17 in the Public Safety Committee.

In a related action, Beall has also introduced ACR 125, a resolution designating April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. As a result, seventy-three legislators joined as co-authors to Beall’s resolution, which was approved by the Assembly.