Waiver for Child Sex Abuse Cases Blocked Due to Partisan Dispute in Pennsylvania

A dispute between the Democrats and Republicans has blocked the proposed statute of limitations waiver for child sex abuse cases in Pennsylvania. Nonetheless, victims still called for the Legislature to authorize whichever version of the proposal.

On June 5, child sex abuse victims in Pennsylvania urged lawmakers to continue opening a two-year waiver to be able to file outdated lawsuits for their claims. However, a dispute between the Democrats and the Republicans blocked the proposal with no evident resolution.

Nonetheless, an article in Fox News states that despite the standoff, the child sex abuse victims again called for the Legislature to authorize whichever version of the proposal. Reportedly, one version would provide voters with a final say through a constitutional amendment. On the contrary, another version still needs to be signed by Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania.

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Child Sex Abuse Cases in Pennsylvania

According to Stover, a 2018 report from the grand jury discovered that hundreds of Roman Catholic priests sexually abused over 1,000 children in Pennsylvania since the 1940s. As lawmakers pursued regulations, the diocese of the state established compensation funds for the child sex abuse victims.

Furthermore, both Democrats and Republicans have passed their own version of the proposals that would temporarily waive the statute of limitations for child sex abuse cases. Reports say the House voted for the waiver with support from both political parties last February.

The Senate dominated by the Republicans reportedly enclosed the proposal for with two initiatives. These initiatives include lowering the restrictions that invalidate state regulations and increasing voter ID requirements. Last month, the House approved the Senate’s version of the proposal but removed the priorities included by the Republicans.

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