New law extends revival window for sex abuse lawsuits

[00:00:00]It's official. After years of advocacy from survivors and supporters, a bill extending the statute of limitations for child sex abuse victims is now law.

[00:00:09]Governor Dan McKee signed the legislation this afternoon. Kayla Fish joins us in studio with what this means for victims. Kayla?

[00:00:16]>> Well, in short, Kim, it means the world.

[00:00:18]Survivors spent years detailing the horrors and abuse they say they endured at the hands of the Catholic Church, not knowing if or when they'd see this day.

[00:00:28]They say not having to testify about that anymore in front of lawmakers is a huge relief. That's because, as you mentioned, the governor signed the bill earlier this afternoon, allowing survivors of child sexual abuse to sue their abusers and any institutions that enabled them for up to 35 years from their 18th birthday. The bill also creates a two-year retroactive survival window that begins on July 1st and runs through June of 2028. And that gives survivors from long ago a strict two-year window to take legal action.

[00:00:58]Today's bill signing was emotional for survivors in the room who, one by one, got up and thanked those who got this bill over the finish line. Year after year, they bravely have told their stories, sharing painful memories in hopes of making a difference.

[00:01:12]>> For years, people asked why we kept coming back.

[00:01:16]The answer is simple.

[00:01:19]Because children deserve protection.

[00:01:22]Survivors deserve to be heard.

[00:01:26]And the truth deserves its day.

[00:01:27]>> This has been a really long David and Goliath fight for justice and for the protection of children.

[00:01:34]And we won.

[00:01:36]We won, and I thank you all so much for it.

[00:01:40]>> [applause] >> Now, the Diocese of Providence has repeatedly fought against this proposal, claiming that other states who have implemented similar laws have seen dozens of other institutions forced into bankruptcy. Again, the new law takes effect on July 1st. In studio, I'm Kayla Fish, 12 News.