PROVIDENCE, RI — The Senate Judiciary Committee will vote later this week on legislation that’s designed to deliver accountability for victims of childhood sexual abuse.

The legislation, introduced by Sen. Mark McKenney, would extend the window in which victims of childhood sexual abuse can sue institutions, organizations and individuals for damages.

Senate President Valarie Lawson announced Monday that the committee will vote on the proposal Wednesday. If the committee approves the legislation, which Lawson said is expected, the full Senate will vote on it later that same day.

The committee will consider an amended version of the original proposal, which addresses concerns raised by lawmakers about its constitutionality.

“At no point in this process did we ever stop working to find a way to bring a strong and constitutional bill to the floor so that victims can access justice,” McKenney said.

The revised legislation preserves prior judgements of the courts, meaning allegations dismissed as a result of the prior statu[t]e of limitations can no longer be revived.

It also establishes a process for calculating prejudgment interest in revived claims, similar to that which already exists in law for medical malpractice claims.

The legislation would still be retroactive up to 35 years, with a two-year revival window of action beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2028.

The Rhode Island House has already passed similar legislation sponsored by Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee, whose sister is a survivor of clergy sex abuse.

The proposal itself was introduced after Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha released a sweeping report on clergy sex abuse earlier this year. The 370-page report identified 72 “credibly accused” priests dating back to 1950.

“Child sexual abuse is a uniquely terrible crime; one that victims consistently grapple with for years, often decades, before coming forward with their stories,” Neronha said. “It is imperative that we pass this bill to allow victims a reasonable window of opportunity to seek justice on their own behalf.”

If the Senate approves the modified legislation, it will return to the House for another vote before heading to Gov. Dan McKee’s desk for his signature.

This comes a few weeks after Sen. Matthew LaMountain put forth a resolution that sought an opinion from the Rhode Island Supreme Court on whether it’s constitutional to revive previously expired sexual abuse claims. That resolution was held for further study.

“We are taking an important step toward providing survivors of childhood sexual abuse meaningful access to the courts,” LaMountain said. “That has been our objective from the very beginning: to determine whether there was a constitutional and effective path to provide survivors the opportunity to have their claims heard and decided on their merits.”

“After months of testimony, legal analysis, constitutional review, and public participation, I believe we have found that path – a path that is fair to survivors, faithful to our constitution, and respectful of due process,” he continued. “To the survivors who came forward and shared their stories: Thank you. Your courage informed this debate and helped Rhode Island confront difficult truths.”

House Speaker Chris Blazejewski thanked his Senate colleagues for “being collaborative partners in finding a path forward to get this legislation over the finish line.”

“I hope the survivors who have been advocating tirelessly for justice find a measure of comfort in knowing their voices have been heard,” he said.

The Diocese of Providence has repeatedly expressed concern about the proposal, claiming that other states who have implemented similar laws have forced dozens of other institutions into bankruptcy.

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