AUGUSTA – A Maine senator wants to expand the window in which the family of a homicide victim can file a civil lawsuit.

Maine law says families have two years from the date of the victim’s death to bring a civil action.

Saco Democrat Linda Valentino’s bill would give families six years from the time the family becomes aware there may be cause for a civil action.

Valentino says the rule change would give families more time for evidence to be gathered. She says the family of a homicide victim whose case goes unsolved for years might not know who to file a lawsuit against within two years.

The state’s Judiciary Committee has approved the bill. It will move on to the state Senate.