 |
|
6/1/2026
|
Senate leaders schedule votes on bill to revive childhood sex abuse claims
|
STATE HOUSE, Providence – Senate leaders today outlined a schedule of votes on legislation that would revive previously time-barred civil claims arising from childhood sexual abuse.
President of the Senate Valarie J. Lawson, Senate Majority Leader Frank A. Ciccone, III, and Senate Majority Whip David P. Tikoian hosted a news conference with Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Matthew LaMountain and Senate Rules, Government Ethics and Oversight Chairman Mark P. McKenney, the sponsor of the legislation (2026-S 2616).
Joining them were Attorney General Peter F. Neronha, retired U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith, and Dr. Herbert “Hub” Brennan, a survivor of childhood abuse who has advocated for the passage of the legislation.
They announced that the legislation has been scheduled for a vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, June 3, at 5 p.m. Should the committee approve the legislation, which is expected, a vote will be scheduled for consideration by the full Senate late on that day’s calendar.
Senator McKenney, the sponsor of the legislation, observed, “At no point in this process did we ever stop working to find a way to bring a strong and constitutional bill to the floor so that victims can access justice. This legislation will apply to institutions the civil culpability that we have already applied to the perpetrators. To see why this is so necessary, one only need look to the Attorney General’s report on abuses within the Diocese of Providence, which describes the shameful actions of an institution more interested in protecting its reputation than the children in their care.”
Said Chairman LaMountain, “Today, we are taking an important step toward providing survivors of childhood sexual abuse meaningful access to the courts. That has been our objective from the very beginning: to determine whether there was a constitutional and effective path to provide survivors the opportunity to have their claims heard and decided on their merits. After months of testimony, legal analysis, constitutional review, and public participation, I believe we have found that path – a path that is fair to survivors, faithful to our Constitution, and respectful of due process. To the survivors who came forward and shared their stories: Thank you. Your courage informed this debate and helped Rhode Island confront difficult truths.”
“Child sexual abuse is a uniquely terrible crime; one that victims consistently grapple with for years, often decades, before coming forward with their stories,” said Attorney General Neronha. “My Office’s Report on Child Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Providence found that on average, a victim takes 26 years to report a crime of this nature. As such, it is imperative that we pass this bill to allow victims a reasonable window of opportunity to seek justice on their own behalf. These victims’ lives were forever changed by crimes committed against them as children at the hands of trusted adults; they deserve an opportunity to take the reins back from their abusers and seek accountability. I want to thank the General Assembly for working on this bill this session, and in particular, Senate leadership for moving this bill forward today. Finally, and importantly, we must acknowledge that we would not be here if not for the many courageous victims and advocates and their tireless work reaching back decades.”
Dr. Brennan said simply, “Finally … accountability. And hopefully a deterrent that will meaningfully protect our children.”
Judge Smith said, “I am very pleased that the Senate Leadership has arrived at a compromise approach that will, at long last, allow this much needed legislation to become law. There will be legal battles ahead, but for now we can proud that the legislature is doing what needs to be done in the wake of the Attorney General’s historic report on clergy sexual abuse.”
The committee will consider an amended, or Substitute A., version of the legislation that makes four modifications to address concerns raised over the course of the committee process.
The first change preserves prior judgements of the courts, striking language that had read, “Any action dismissed solely as a result of the previous statute of limitations for child sexual abuse shall be revived by this section.” The rationale for this change is that it would not withstand a court challenge as it violates the Separation of Powers provision of the Rhode Island Constitution by making the Legislature a de facto Super Appellate Court capable of overturning judgements.
The second change codifies and incorporates longstanding existing law that prejudgment interest does not apply to the state or its subdivisions.
Similarly, the third change codifies longstanding existing law limiting state tort liability.
Finally, the fourth change sets forth a process for calculating prejudgment interest in revived claims similar to that which already exists in law for medical malpractice claims. It would provide prejudgment interest from the date the claim is noticed or filed, whichever comes first. This is a process used when a medical malpractice claim is discovered after the events giving rise to the lawsuit. It is a system that has been tested in that setting and will provide clarity and reliable enforceability on the calculation of prejudgment interest.
President of the Senate Valarie J. Lawson said, “I am grateful to my colleagues in leadership, to Chairman LaMountain and Chairman McKenney, and to everyone who worked with us to bring this bill to fruition. Chairman LaMountain was diligent in his review and steadfast in his commitment to finding a path forward. Chairman McKenney championed this cause and never wavered as he sought to work through issues. I also want to express the Senate’s deep gratitude to Attorney General Neronha for his analysis, and for working with us as we conducted our review. And most importantly, I want to thank the survivors, who bravely shared their stories, and who met with us and worked with us throughout this process.”
Majority Leader Ciccone said, “I am deeply grateful to everyone who took part in the development and review of this legislation and who has worked hard to help find a path forward this year. I especially want to highlight the great work of our Senate Judiciary Committee, which deals with some of the most complex and consequential legislation that comes before us in the General Assembly. To Chairman LaMountain, Chairman McKenney, and all the members of the committee: thank you for your diligence and dedication.”
For more information, contact:
Greg Pare, Director of Communications for the Senate
State House Room 112
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 276-5558
|
|