By B.T. Clark

A Georgia congresswoman wants to eliminate a rule that lets accused killers escape murder charges if their victims survive longer than a year.

What’s Happening: Georgia Representative Lucy McBath introduced legislation to remove the “year-and-a-day” rule. This federal rule currently blocks prosecutors from filing murder charges when victims die more than 366 days after an attack.

The Local Connection: McBath, who represents parts of metro Atlanta, wants to eliminate this time limit. Her own experience as the mother of a murdered son drives her mission to remove barriers for victims’ families.

Building Support: Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff introduced matching legislation in the Senate. Eight major law enforcement groups back the change.

What’s Next: Congress will review the proposal. A similar bill to remove the time limit passed the Senate last year with full support.