The 2015-2016 session of the Pennsylvania General Assembly officially closes on November 30. Here is the status of the several high priority bills that were on the legislative agenda of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference. Pro-Life Legislation – House Bill 1948 would have banned barb

The first response that a survivor of childhood sexual abuse receives when revealing what happened to him or her is crucial for opening the door toward healing. “I believe you.” “It is not your fault.” “I am sorry that happened to you.” The news of grand jury investigations and a rene

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives adjourned for the summer without taking further action on House Bill 1947. The initial bill passed by the House in April proposed to remove the criminal statute of limitations (SoL) for childhood sexual abuse, raise the civil SoL from age 30 t

Update: On June 30, the Senate voted 49-0 in favor of the amended House Bill 1947 described below. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for concurrence. The Pennsylvania Senate Judiciary Committee took action on House Bill 1947 today. With an 8-4 vote the committee amende

The Pennsylvania Senate Judiciary Committee hosted a hearing this week regarding the legality and constitutionality of House Bill 1947. The measure, passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in April, proposes to remove the criminal statute of limitations (SoL) for childhood se

The Senate Judiciary Committee today was scheduled to hear from several witnesses on whether House Bill 1947 violates Pennsylvania’s Constitution, which prohibits the General Assembly from retroactively altering statutes of limitations to revive causes of action that have expired. “I

Send a message to your legislators about House Bill 1947. The following commentary by Wilmington attorney Stephen E. Jenkins appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer on June 5. Pennsylvania House Bill 1947, which has now been sent to the Pennsylvania Senate, would largely eliminate the s

Send a message to your legislators about House Bill 1947. The Catholic Church has learned hard lessons regarding child sexual abuse and has taken responsibility for the abuse that has occurred within its ranks.  The dioceses across Pennsylvania have implemented changes that offer assi