| Last week, the PA House passed a pair of bills to address child sexual abuse cases. HB 962 would amend the PA Judicial Code to eliminate the statute of limitations on future child sexual abuse cases if the victim was under the age of 18 at the time of the offense. The bill also extends the time that an individual is entitled to pursue civil action from 12 to 37 years (up to age 55) after reaching 18 years of age . Sovereign and governmental immunity would not apply with respect to offenses committed if the conduct of the entity that caused injury to the plaintiff constitutes gross negligence. HB 963 proposes an amendment to the state Constitution to provide a two-year window from the effective date of the act for lawsuits against the state in cases regarding childhood sexual abuse in instances where the statute of limitations has expired. Constitutional amendments require approval in two consecutive legislative sessions and then approval by the voters through a referendum. House Bill 962 becomes effective following the first passage of House Bill 963 by both chambers of the General Assembly. Thanks to PSBA for its contributions to this article. |