California Governor Jerry Brown has signed legislation ending the state’s 10-year statute of limitations on rape.

Senate Bill 813, filed by State Senator Connie Leyva (D-Chino) amended the penal code so that some sex crimes, including rape, forcible sodomy, and molestation of a child, can be be prosecuted, regardless of how long ago the crime occurred.

Leyva praised Brown’s decision, saying it told every rape and sexual assault victim in the state “that they matter.” “It shows victims and survivors that California stands behind them, that we see rape as a serious crime, that victims can come forward and that justice now has no time limit,” she said.

The sexual assault allegations against scandal-plagued comedian Bill Cosby inspired the bill. Cosby’s accusers testified before the California Legislature to support the bill, dubbed the Justice for Victims Act, before it made its way to Brown’s desk. Dozens of women have accused the comedian of sexual assault dating from the 1960s to the 1990s.

“The Cosby Show” star has denied the accusations, saying his sexual encounters were consensual.

Attorney Gloria Allred, who represents some of the accusers, stated that this was a positive step. “It puts sexual predators on notice that the passage of time may no longer protect them from serious criminal consequences for their acts of sexual violence,” she said.

The new law will not work retroactively, or help those who accuse Cosby of crimes committed more than 10 years ago. It will go into effect January 1, 2017.

Bryan White

Bryan is an editorial intern at Law Street Media from Stratford, NJ. He is a sophomore at American University, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism. When he is not reading up on the news, you can find him curled up with an iced chai and a good book. Contact Bryan at BWhite@LawStreetMedia.com.

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This weekend was a huge win for Native American activists across the country after California became the first state in the nation to pass a law banning schools from using “Redskins” as a team name or mascot.

The measure, which was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown on Sunday, will force the four schools in the state still using the nickname to drop the offensive moniker by January 1, 2017, or risk losing public funding.

THANK YOU @JerryBrownGov ! #Wehaveavoice #thenamehaschanged #ChangetheMascot pic.twitter.com/SeDPyqpl0b

— trumpetnative (@trumpetnative) October 12, 2015

This is a big victory for groups like Change the Mascot, who have campaigned for years to rid the racial slur from sports organizations. In a joint statement Oneida Indian Nation Representative Ray Halbritter and fellow Change the Mascot leader National Congress of American Indians Executive Director Jackie Pata praised California for “standing on the right side of history by bringing an end to the use of the demeaning and damaging R-word slur in the state’s schools.” They wrote, 

They have set a shining example for other states across the country, and for the next generation, by demonstrating a commitment to the American ideals of inclusion and mutual respect.

Their historic step to build a better future stands in stark contrast to the dogged inaction of Washington’s NFL team, which in the face of all the evidence that this term degrades and offends Native Americans, continues to defend and promote the slur for its own financial gain.

The most populous state in the country has now taken a stand against the use of this insidious slur in its schools, and Change the Mascot expects more states to follow. This landmark legislation eliminating the R-word in California schools clearly demonstrates that this issue is not going away, and that opposition to the Washington team on this issue is only intensifying. The NFL should act immediately to press the team to change the name.

The message effectively called out the Washington Redskins football franchise for its refusal to change its name despite protests from Native Americans warning that the name is offensive and essentially the same as calling an African-American person the “n-word.” The four California schools that would be forced to change their mascots don’t agree with this argument, calling the decision a “disappointment.” The schools include Gustine High School in Merced County, Calaveras High School in Calaveras County, Chowchilla Union High School in Madera County and Tulare Union High School in Tulare County. Tulare’s Principal Michelle Nunley was clearly upset with the ruling according to the Los Angeles Time. Nunley, who is part Ottawa Indian and also happens to be the mother of the Redskin Warriors star running back Mello Harris tole the Times,

We took students to the Senate education committee. We thought it would be a great educational experience. We had a letter from our local tribe saying they supported us. If they don’t have a problem how can we be causing offense? The senators were rude. They called us insensitive and racist.

It’s clear that there are still mixed feelings about the ruling, but California’s decision does appear to be a step in the right direction. It will be interesting to see if this new law has any impact on the football team in our nation’s capital.

Alexis Evans

Alexis Evans is an Assistant Editor at Law Street and a Buckeye State native. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and a minor in Business from Ohio University. Contact Alexis at aevans@LawStreetMedia.com.

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