The possible inclusion of a retroactivity clause is the
most contentious sticking point in the discussion about changing
Pennsylvania’s statute-of-limitations laws for cases of child sexual
abuse. Many elected officials seem to be in agreement
about increasing the current age limits of 30 for civil actions and 50
for criminal complaints.
However, one side, led by
state Rep. Mark Rozzi, D-Berks, and advocates in the Johnstown region,
want any new law to include a two-year window during which alleged
victims could file civil claims against perpetrators of past abuse.
Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, a Republican, backed by the
Pennsylvania Catholic Conference and the Insurance Federation of
Pennsylvania, opposes retroactivity, believing it would violate the
commonwealth’s constitution.