Maryland lawmakers propose limiting sex abuse payout liabilities

Lawmakers are reviewing a new proposal to limit the potential costs of the 2023 Child Victims Act. This act allows survivors of sexual abuse in state institutions to seek compensation. However, the law has opened the state to possible payouts that could reach billions of dollars, which lawmakers fear could strain the state’s finances. Del. C.T. Wilson, who created the original bill and the new proposal, acknowledges that the changes could be heavily revised. He aims to ensure victims receive justice while also protecting the state from financial ruin. Discussions have revealed concerns that the proposed amendments may violate constitutional rights, particularly for survivors seeking their day in court. The bill sets a cap on damages per incident but has faced backlash from advocates and attorneys for nearly 5,000 claimants. Critics argue the proposal could undermine justice for survivors. They emphasize that financial compensation is crucial not just for closure, but also for holding abusers accountable. The House Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on these changes soon. Advocates worry that the proposed legislation might delay justice for victims further and create a system that favors the state over survivors. They highlight that many claimants come from marginalized communities, making access to justice even more important. The legislation originally raised the liability limit significantly. However, Wilson's amendments propose reducing it to $400,000 per occurrence. This has sparked debate on how to fairly address multiple incidents of abuse. Supporters of the original Act argue that lowering the compensation is unfair and diminishes the acknowledgment of victims' suffering. Legal experts expressed concerns that the proposed system could retroactively limit the rights of survivors. They emphasize the need for transparency and accountability in handling these sensitive cases. Wilson insists that victims will retain their right to a jury trial, aiming to ensure they are not further victimized by the legal changes.