Joining Schwartzkopf as co-sponsors of House Bill 326 are Rep. John Atkins, D-Millsboro and Rep. Helene Keeley, D-Wilmington. The bill is consistent with the state's Child Victim's Act, passed in 2007.

Besides clarifying the 2007 legislation, House Bill 326 also creates a two-year "look-back" provision in cases of abuse that were unknown and could not reasonably have been discovered by the patient.

Hovering over the legislation is the case of former Lewes pediatrician Dr. Earl Bradley, who is awaiting indictment on charges of rape and exploitation of young patients.

"The allegations of sexual abuse by Dr. Bradley have horrified many of us throughout the state," Schwartzkopf said. "These are unspeakable crimes that in my 25-year career with the Delaware State Police, I have never seen before, and hope I never see again. While we can't undo what has happened, we can make sure that these and any other victims who are sexually abused by a health care provider can seek legal action."

The bill has been assigned to the House Economic Development, banking, Insurance and Commerce Committee.