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6/3/2026
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Senate passes McKenney bill to revive civil claims springing from childhood sex abuse
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STATE HOUSE — The Senate today passed legislation introduced by Sen. Mark McKenney that would revive previously time-barred civil claims arising from childhood sexual abuse.
The bill (2026-S 2616A) would amend what is considered sexual abuse for purposes of limitations on actions based on sexual abuse or exploitation of a child and would amend the provisions for when a cause of action may be brought.
“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,” said Senator McKenney (D-Dist. 30, Warwick). “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.”
The Senate Judiciary Committee amended the original version of the bill, making 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.
The measure now moves to the House of Representatives, which has already passed the original version of the bill (2026-H 7200) introduced by Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee (D-Dist. 33, South Kingstown, Narragansett), chairwoman of the House Judiciary Committee. That legislation was also amended by the Senate and moves back to the House for consideration.
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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