Bill allowing abuse victims more time to sue fails

A California bill that would give some sex abuse victims more time to sue has failed to gain enough support to make it out of a key legislative committee.

The Los Angeles Times reports the bill, which needed nine votes to move forward, received only six votes Wednesday.

The bill would lift the statute of limitations for one year, allowing certain victims to sue private or nonprofit employers who may have failed to protect them from known molesters.

Supporters say victims need extra time to file lawsuits because it may take years for them to admit that they were molested.

The Catholic Church says the bill unfairly targets private groups. Opponents also argue it would financially cripple the church, which has already paid $1.2 billion in abuse settlements statewide.