Pennsylvania Legislature Advances Bills to Open Two-Year Window for Time-Barred Sexual Abuse Claims

In a significant move towards justice for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee has approved two bills—House Bill 462 and House Bill 464—that would open a two-year window for victims to file civil lawsuits previously barred by the statute of limitations. This legislative effort aims to provide a path to justice for individuals whose claims were time-barred under current laws.

Understanding the Proposed Legislation

House Bill 462: This bill proposes a statutory two-year window during which survivors of childhood sexual abuse can file civil lawsuits, regardless of when the abuse occurred. It also includes provisions to waive sovereign and governmental immunity retroactively, allowing survivors to pursue claims against state and local agencies.

House Bill 464: This bill seeks to amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to establish a two-year window for survivors to bring forward civil claims that were previously blocked due to expired statutes of limitations. Like HB 462, it also aims to waive sovereign immunity retroactively under certain circumstances.

Both bills have advanced to the full Pennsylvania House of Representatives for further consideration. If enacted, they would provide a critical opportunity for survivors to seek accountability and healing through the legal system.

The Importance of Legislative Action

The approval of these bills follows years of advocacy by survivors and supporters who have pushed for changes to Pennsylvania's statute of limitations laws. In 2019, the state extended the civil statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse cases, allowing victims to file claims until they turn 55 years old. However, this extension did not apply retroactively, leaving many survivors without legal recourse.

By opening a two-year window, the proposed legislation acknowledges the challenges survivors face in coming forward and seeks to provide a means for justice, regardless of when the abuse occurred.

Support for Survivors

At Survivors of Abuse PA, we understand the profound impact that childhood sexual abuse can have on individuals and their families. Our legal team is dedicated to providing compassionate support and pursuing justice for survivors.

If you or someone you know has been affected by childhood sexual abuse, it's crucial to seek legal counsel promptly. Our experienced attorneys at Survivors of Abuse PA are here to guide you through the legal process and ensure your voice is heard.

Source:

https://natlawreview.com/article/pa-legislature-consider-opening-two-year-window-time-barred-sexual-abuse-claims