Expanding accountability for clerical sex predators
“This report is a long time coming and it should be clear to anyone reading it
that the systematic coverup of this pervasive and appalling behavior is just as
bad as the actual assaults of countless helpless children. Like the
Epstein files, this report shows the lengths to which vile predators were
shielded and protected from accountability by powerful institutions, and it
should make us all angry and disgusted. Revealing the truth about this
immoral corruption is the first step to delivering real justice for so many
victims, and I will continue to support our victims’ rights and quest for
justice through this legislation that will hold both the abusers and the
institutions that protected these predators accountable in the courts,” said
House Judiciary Chairwoman McEntee (D-Dist. 33, South Kingstown, Narragansett).
The first bill (2026-H 7200) recommended in the Attorney General’s report would amend what is considered sexual abuse for purposes of limitations on actions based on sexual abuse or exploitation of a child and would amend the provisions for when a cause of action may be brought.
“I’ve tried for a long time to secure some form of justice for victims of childhood sexual abuse, and I will continue to do so until accountability is delivered. This is personal for me. My dear sister Annie endured years of abuse as a young girl from our 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,” said Chairwoman McEntee.
“Sexual
abusers of children, and those who protect these disgusting predators, should
not be able to hide behind statutes of limitations or other time delaying
tactics to avoid liability for these perverse and evil crimes. Victims of
these attacks live with their assaults for their entire lives, and any
individual or organization that willingly allowed or turned a blind eye to
these crimes needs to be held accountable. This bill is about delivering
justice, no matter how long it takes, and it would not be possible without the
victims who have courageously shared their heartbreaking stories to advocate
for this bill’s passage.”
More specifically, it establishes that institutions, organizations and
individuals can be held civilly liable for negligent supervision or concealment
of a person who sexually abused a minor.
The legislation would be retroactive up to 53 years, with a two-year revival
window of action beginning on July 1, 2026, and ending on June 30, 2028.
The second bill (2026-H 8086A) recommended by the Attorney General would
provide that the statute of limitations for second-degree sexual assault shall
be 10 years from the date of the offense, or, in the case of a victim who is
under the age of 18, 10 years from the victim’s 18th birthday,
whichever is later. The bill would also provide that the statute of limitations
for third-degree sexual assault will be measured from the date of the victim’s
18th birthday, not from the date of the offense.
The third bill (2026-H 8093A), and the final piece of legislation
recommended in the clergy sex abuse report, would expand the definition of
“educational program” for purposes of the Abused and Neglected Children General
Law to include charter schools, parochial schools, after school programs, camps
and various other programs involving children, and would amend certain
provisions of the law relative to reporting of physical, mental or sexual abuse
or neglect.
The fourth bill (2026-H 7656) passed by the House would authorize the State
Retirement Board to revoke or reduce an individual’s pension benefit if that
individual is convicted, pleads guilty or no contest to a felony sex crime
related to their public office or public employment.
The final bill (2026-H 7648) would require the electronic filing of
domestic violence and sexual assault forms by law enforcement agencies, and
enhance the information to be included on the reporting forms. The bill
would also clarify that the reporting forms should be submitted monthly, or as
soon as practicable upon receipt of all relevant information regarding an
incident subject to reporting.
“The AG’s report is eye-opening in the most horrific way
possible, and it pains me to say that our long-held suspicions of church
complicity were correct. With the ugly truth finally revealed to the
public, now is a time for healing and justice. To the countless victims:
thank you for your courage. I am sorry that you have lived with this
trauma and impenetrable silence for far too long. But now that names have
been named, now is your time for the justice you so thoroughly deserve.
And to the predators and those that protected them: today is a first step
toward a reckoning for your heartless behavior and corruption. The
justice you have evaded for so long is coming for you, and you will be held
accountable for your crimes against children,” concluded Chairwoman McEntee.
The five bills now head to the Senate for consideration.