AUGUSTA - A new law by Rep. Maggie O'Neil, D-Saco, will help survivors of domestic violence access justice by bringing the statute of limitations for assault, battery and false imprisonment into line with the limit on bringing other civil claims. The change will allow more time for survivors to bring a civil claim.
"In Maine, a person usually has six years to bring a civil claim, but assault, battery and false imprisonment have been treated differently under Maine law for reasons that aren't clear," said O'Neil. "The previous two-year statute of limitations is often insufficient for survivors of domestic violence, who might need time to establish safety, get back on their feet and determine how to move forward. This new law will provide more survivors with the opportunity to access justice through the courts."
Gov. Janet Mills signed LD 690 into law June 15. Lawmakers approved the new law as an emergency measure with two-thirds support, which means it went into effect immediately upon becoming law.O'Neil is serving her third term in the Maine House. She is House chair of the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee and represents District 15, part of Saco.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [ONeil], c. 812-1111
Photo: Gov. Janet Mills signed a measure by Rep. Maggie O'Neil, D-Saco, into law June 15. The bill, LD 690, will help survivors of domestic violence access justice by bringing the statute of limitations for assault, battery and false imprisonment into line with the limit on bringing other civil claims.