© 2024 Public Radio Tulsa
800 South Tucker Drive
Tulsa, OK 74104
(918) 631-2577

A listener-supported service of The University of Tulsa
classical 88.7 | public radio 89.5
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

2nd Issue Raised Over Oklahoma Child Sexual Abuse Law

State Capitol
KWGS News File Photo
State Capitol

 

 A second issue has been raised about a new state law intended to extend the time a child sexual abuse victim can file a lawsuit.

Attorney Cameron Spradling told The Oklahoman that it will be more difficult to sue employers for negligence if their employees sexually abuse a child. The change requires civil lawsuits against employers to show gross negligence, rather than general negligence.

Critics of another change made by the law say it changes centuries-old legal practice by requiring the losing party to pay all legal fees in civil cases.

The law's original intent increases the age for child sexual abuse victims to bring a civil lawsuit from 20 to 45.

State Sen. David Holt says the gross negligence provision may be added to a bill to reverse the "loser pays" provision.