More survivors of sexual abuse will be permitted to sue Rhode Island-based institutions like the Roman Catholic Church under legislation poised to become law this week.
The legislation will open a “revival window” during which lawsuits would be allowed against institutions alleged to be responsible for enabling or covering up abuse, even if the statute of limitations on the claims has previously expired. The window would open July 1, 2026 and close on June 30, 2028.
The Rhode Island Senate passed its version of the legislation on Wednesday, catching up with the state House. Now, both chambers are slated to consider a final bill on Monday, according to state House spokesman Larry Berman. The legislation is expected to pass the House and be sent to Gov. Dan McKee for his signature.
McKee told Ocean State Media on Wednesday that he will review the legislation “and the concept – I’m on board with it.”
Once in doubt, now on track
The proposal to allow for more lawsuits comes after Attorney General Peter Neronha released a scathing 200-page report in March detailing a history of abuse by clergy in the Diocese of Providence.
The long-awaited report resulted in new indictments for four one-time priests. It also identified 75 “credibly accused priests” and more than 300 victims, and concluded church leaders repeatedly prioritized avoiding scandal over protecting children.
At a news conference on the legislation last week, Neronha called the bill “an opportunity for victims of clergy sexual abuse, and sexual abuse more broadly, to find justice.”
“This bill, if passed – as I hope that it will be – will give those victims an opportunity,” Neronha said. “And I think that’s the best that we can and should do for them, is to provide that opportunity.”
Legislators had in previous years tried to pass legislation that could allow for more civil suits over sexual abuse. The measure looked in doubt this year, too, as some legislators worried whether it was at odds with provisions in the Rhode Island Constitution. After stiff public opposition from advocates, Senate leaders decided to move the bill forward.
Aims to protect children from abuse
Rep. Carol McEntee championed the legislation on Smith Hill. In an interview with Ocean State Media last month, McEntee recounted how her sister Annie endured years of abuse as a girl from a parish priest, “and when she finally summoned the courage to confront this terrible crime perpetrated against her, she was met with silence and gaslighting from the institution that should have been protecting her and her innocence.”
The Narragansett Democrat said her bill is not aimed at the Diocese of Providence, but rather the sexual abuse of children at a broader array of various organizations.
“In the long run, it will protect children because it will stop this behavior by institutions on choosing between protecting their reputation or focusing on children and making sure you report,” McEntee said.
Information from previous Ocean State Media coverage was used in this story.
