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New Jersey Senate Votes To Ease Restrictions For Sex Abuse Statute Of Limitations

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TRENTON, N.J. (CBS/AP) — New Jersey lawmakers voted Thursday to ease restrictions on when sex abuse victims can seek damages. The legislation allows child victims to sue up until they turn 55 or within seven years of their first realization that the abuse caused them harm.

The current limit is two years. Adult victims also would have seven years from the discovery of the abuse.

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The bill also gives a two-year window to victims who were previously barred by the statute of limitations.

The measure is moving ahead despite opposition from the state's Catholic Conference, which has said it wants to push the implementation date in December back.

The legislation now goes to the assembly.

(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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