In September, the Pennsylvania House passed SB 261, which allows victims of child sexual abuse from decades ago to file lawsuits against their abusers. However, the state Senate passed failed to pass the legislation.
Republican Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati opposed a provision of the bill creating a two-year window for past victims of child sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits against their perpetrators. Scarnati proposed the establishment of a Victims Compensation Fund.
On Thursday, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced the launching of an Independent Reconciliation and Reparation Program (IRRP) to provide financial support to victims of clergy sexual abuse.
According to the Archdiocese, an Independent Oversight Committee will monitor the program.
