Al Melvin Week, Day 5: Melvin Votes to Protect Child Predators

State Sen. Al Melvin, a Saddlebrooke Republican, has yet to explain his March vote to protect child predators from civil suits.

Melvin voted against an amendment to extend the statute of limitations for civil suits, which would have allowed victims to pursue legal damages after the age of 20.

Victims often repress the memories of their abuse, only to remember them later in life. The amendment Melvin voted against lifted the statute of limitation for these suits so that predators aren't so easily off the hook.

The Pima County Democratic Party has been highlighting some of Melvin's most extreme legislative actions, which suggest he simply takes the voters for granted.

"Someone should tell Al Melvin that he does actually have to face the voters this year," said Pima County Democratic Party Chair Jeff Rogers. "Voting to defend child predators from being held accountable for their abuse makes no sense."

The amendment to HB 2699 was adopted despite Melvin's opposition.

"Republicans have been in control of the Legislature for 44 years and act like they can't lose," Rogers said. "They've given the state a series of black eyes, with birther legislation and regulating accents. Yet Melvin has proven extreme even for that cast of characters."

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