This bill amends Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically addressing the limitations of time for civil actions related to infancy, insanity, or imprisonment, as well as exceptions to sovereign and governmental immunity in cases of sexual abuse. Notably, it introduces a new subsection (c) that allows individuals under 18 years of age at the time of the cause of action to revive their civil claims for sexual abuse, granting them an additional two years from the effective date of this subsection to commence an action if the original limitation period has expired. Additionally, the bill clarifies definitions related to "forcible compulsion," "minor," and "sexual abuse," ensuring that the legal framework is comprehensive and clear.

Furthermore, the bill amends sections 8522(b)(10) and 8542(b)(9) to include sexual abuse as a basis for liability against Commonwealth and local agencies, respectively, if the injuries were caused by negligence. These amendments apply retroactively to causes of action that arose before the effective date of the bill, as well as prospectively for future claims. The act also includes provisions for the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania to address any constitutional challenges and establishes that the provisions of the act are nonseverable, meaning that if any part is deemed invalid, the entire act is void. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 445 (Feb 04, 2025): 42-5533(b), P.L.641, No.87
Printer's No. 0445: 42-5533(b), P.L.641, No.87