The New York State Legislature is once again considering legislation that would provide a 1 year window for sexual abuse lawsuits that were previously barred by the statute of limitations. This is not a new occurrence in NY. However, a new Democratic majority has provided priest abuse advocates with the hope and confidence the new legislation would become law in NY.
As usual, the Catholic Church in NY is lobbying hard to stop the legislation and may still prove successful as they have done in so many other states trying to pass sex abuse window legislation. If the bill becomes law, those who were abused years ago and were not able to bring a lawsuit may have the opportunity given this one year window. Just as in California and Delaware, if you’ve been abused by a Catholic priest or nun, it’s important to contact a sex abuse lawyer sooner rather than later. The one year window, if passed into law, will come and pass quickly and with it your opportunity for justice.