Child sex abuse lawsuit ‘window’ amendment clears Pa. House
By MARK SCOLFORO Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania lawmakers are done with a new first round of approvals for a constitutional amendment giving victims of child sexual abuse the power to file what would otherwise be outdated claims. After passage in the state House by a wide margin on Wednesday, the soonest the proposed amendment could take effect is early 2023. Supporters say a two-year “window” to file lawsuits over older claims of abuse is needed to give victims a path to justice, taking into account more recent revelations about molestation by Roman Catholic clergy or involving other institutions. Many victims lost the right to sue when they turned 18 or were young adults, depending on Pennsylvania state law at the time.