In a significant development for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, the Pennsylvania House has passed two bills aimed at expanding access to justice—even for those whose claims have long been time-barred.
House Bill 462 would create a two-year window allowing survivors of abuse that occurred before age 18 to file civil lawsuits, regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred. Notably, the bill also waives sovereign immunity, enabling survivors to sue state agencies if the abuse was committed by government employees. Going forward, the bill would extend the statute of limitations for new abuse claims to 37 years after a survivor’s 18th birthday.
House Bill 464, a proposed constitutional amendment, also passed with strong bipartisan support. It would establish a special two-year revival period during which otherwise time-barred claims—blocked by statutes of limitation, sovereign immunity, or damage caps—could be brought to court.
Advocates hailed the bills as a vital step forward. Attorney Adam Slater, whose firm has secured landmark abuse settlements, called the legislation “transformative,” emphasizing how such revival windows empower survivors and hold institutions accountable.
If signed into law and/or ratified by voters, these measures would mark a historic shift in Pennsylvania’s approach to institutional accountability and survivors’ rights.
HERE’S HOW HB 464 STACKS UP AGAINST CURRENT PENNSYLVANIA LAW:
Current Pennsylvania Law: Limited Relief for Survivors
Until recently, Pennsylvania had some of the most restrictive laws in the country for childhood sexual abuse survivors. Although reforms in 2019 improved the statute of limitations for future claims, significant gaps remain:
- Statute of Limitations: Survivors currently have until age 55 to file a civil lawsuit for abuse suffered as a minor.
- No Path for Time-Barred Claims: Those whose claims expired before the 2019 reform are still locked out of the legal system—with no way to seek civil damages.
- Sovereign Immunity: Lawsuits against state agencies and officials are often blocked by governmental immunity, even in cases of documented abuse.
What HB 464 Would Change
House Bill 464 introduces a state constitutional amendment designed to override those legal barriers:
- Two-Year Revival Window: The bill would create a one-time, two-year window allowing survivors to file lawsuits regardless of when the abuse occurred—even if the statute of limitations has long since passed.
- No Immunity Protections: Lawsuits could proceed even against state agencies, as the bill would override sovereign immunity and related damage caps.
- Constitutional Power: Because it alters fundamental legal rights, HB 464 must pass in two consecutive legislative sessions and then be approved by Pennsylvania voters via referendum.
Why It Matters
This proposed amendment is modeled after successful “revival window” laws in other states like New York and California, where thousands of previously time-barred survivors have been able to seek justice and hold abusers—and the institutions that protected them—accountable.
If enacted, HB 464 would represent a landmark shift in Pennsylvania civil law—restoring access to the courts for countless abuse survivors and breaking through legal barriers that have shielded powerful institutions for decades. For personal injury attorneys, advocates, and survivors, this proposed amendment is one to watch closely.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of sexual abuse, you may be have a civil pathway to seek justice and compensation. The team of attorneys here at Anzalone & Doyle Trial Lawyers has the knowledge and experience to help families protect their rights and hold those who perpetuate sexual abuse, including institutions and government agencies, accountable. Contact Anzalone & Doyle Trial Lawyers today to explore your options for pursuing justice.
Further resources for victims of sexual assault are available through the National Sexual Violence Resources Center and the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800-656-4673.
