Catholic group sees payback in abuse bill

As discussion swirls about an education tax credit that will benefit private and parochial schools, the Assembly is advancing a bill—long opposed by the state's Roman Catholic bishops—that makes it easier to sue for childhood sexual abuse.The bill, sponsored by Assemblywoman Margaret Markey, a Queens Democrat, would create a one-year window during which people sexually abused before their 18th birthday could bring suit against their alleged abusers—including private institutions like summer camps and church organizations. The window does not apply to public school institutions. The state's Catholic Conference opposes the bill, which could open the church to a flurry of lawsuits and drain its coffers for legal defense, settlements or awards

http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/albany/2015/06/8570221/catholic-group-sees-payback-abuse-bill