State lawmakers to consider lifting time limits on child sex abuse lawsuits

PHOTOGRAPHER: The Associated Press

With child sex abuse scandals rocking college sports programs, New York lawmakers plan to revisit lifting time limits on victim lawsuits, an issue pitting the Catholic Church and other institutions against advocates for children.

Fearing $1 billion in payouts like dioceses collectively faced after California lifted its statute of limitations, the church along with schools, municipalities, synagogues and others with potential liability helped to block similar measures here.

The Assembly three times passed legislation that died in the Senate.

Assemblywoman Margaret Markey, a Queens Democrat, is chief sponsor of the current bill, which includes a one-year window for victims to file previously time-barred claims. She says abuse is an issue across society that has to be dealt with.

Sen. Stephen Saland, a Poughkeepsie Republican, says they’re working on a package of bills.