HARRISBURG – On Tuesday Gov. Tom Wolf, joined by Attorney General Josh Shapiro, bill sponsors Reps. Mark Rozzi, Todd Stephens and Jim Gregory; legislators; advocates and survivors of childhood sexual abuse, signed three bills that mirror the Grand Jury’s recommendations after its investigation into child sexual abuse by Catholic clergy.
“After tireless and passionate work on the part of so many, especially countless brave victims, these bills will become law, and victims of one of the most unimaginable forms of abuse will receive the support and rights they deserve,” Wolf said.
“And while we celebrate the monumental victory of many survivors of childhood sexual abuse finally receiving their opportunity for justice, we must continue pushing forward until every survivor, of every age, has the chance to tell his or her story.”
“These reforms fundamentally change our justice system and will protect generations of children who experience abuse from this day on,” Shapiro said.
“While we still must address justice for those survivors who made this day possible, seeing this progress gives me hope that bravery and activism will win over entrenched interests and powerful institutions.”
Wolf signed these bills:
House Bill 962, sponsored by Rep. Mark Rozzi, which abolishes Pennsylvania’s criminal statute of limitations on childhood sexual abuse and extends the timeline victims have to file civil action against their abusers; extends civil statute of limitations for victims age 18-24 until the age of 30; extends the criminal statute of limitations for criminal proceedings for victims age 18-24 for 20 years; and provides counseling services for victims of sexual assault via the Crime Victims Compensation fund through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
House Bill 1051, sponsored by Rep. Todd Stephens, which increases penalties for failure to report child abuse by a mandated reporter.
House Bill 1171, sponsored by Rep. Tarah Toohil, which makes conversations with law enforcement agents exempt from non-disclosure agreements.
“This year, I worked directly with House and Senate leadership to craft legislation to get statute of limitations reform over the finish line, given the political dynamic here in Pennsylvania,” said Rozzi.
“While my House Bill 962 provides for prospective reforms, House Bill 963, offered by Rep. Jim Gregory, puts the retroactive window before voters in the form of a constitutional amendment.
“As we approach Thanksgiving, I am personally grateful to Governor and Mrs. Wolf for their compassionate support of our efforts to help all victims of childhood sexual abuse.”
“I want to thank the governor for signing my legislation, so the law is crystal clear,” Stephens said. “Anyone who knows of ongoing child abuse and fails to act will face harsh penalties under the law.”
“There are survivors of childhood abuse out there with these non-disclosure agreements who believe they are still unable to come forward. Many of them have been silenced for decades,” said Toohil.
“It is clearly stated in the new law that these survivors are able to provide information to law enforcement regarding their abuse, even if such an agreement is in place.”
In addition to the bill signing, the governor lent his support to House Bill 963, sponsored by Gregory, which amends the Pennsylvania constitution to create a two-year revival window in which victims can file civil charges in old cases.
This piece of legislation must pass two consecutive legislative sessions before it goes on the ballot for voters to determine if the constitutional amendment will take place.
“From my first meeting with the governor, I realized he was going to pay full attention to my efforts, but only through dedicated time and effort did this happen,” said Gregory.
“I’m very pleased to work with the governor to respond to the four Grand Jury recommendations in a helpful way for all victims – past and future.”
