Bill > HB464

This bill proposes an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution that expands the ability of individuals to bring lawsuits related to childhood sexual abuse. Specifically, the bill creates a new provision that gives individuals whose claims for childhood sexual abuse would have previously been time-barred or limited by statutory caps or immunities a two-year window to file lawsuits, effectively suspending normal legal limitations. The amendment maintains the existing constitutional principle that all courts shall be open and that individuals should have a remedy for injuries done to their person, lands, goods, or reputation. The bill also outlines the procedural requirements for implementing the constitutional amendment, which include the Secretary of the Commonwealth advertising the proposed amendment and submitting it to qualified voters at the first eligible general or municipal election after its passage by the General Assembly. This legislation appears aimed at providing additional legal recourse for survivors of childhood sexual abuse who may have been previously prevented from seeking justice due to technical legal barriers.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=464