State house approves extended rape statute of limitations

The state House has passed a bill to double the amount of time sexual assault victims can seek charges from 10 to 20 years.

The bill goes to the Senate after Friday’s vote.

Democratic sponsor Rep. Rhonda Fields crafted the bill after being approached by two Colorado women who claim Bill Cosby assaulted them decades ago.

The women recently testified that the bill would empower traumatized victims by giving them more time to come forward.

Cosby has denied assault allegations made by women across the country.

Several states are looking at sex assault statutes of limitations in response to the allegations against Cosby and others.