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HB 1378 Child Sexual Abuse Claims Against the State - Time Limitation

  • PSSAM Staff
  • Apr 3
  • 2 min read

BILL: HB 1378

DATE: March 26, 2025

POSITION: Favorable with Amendment

COMMITTEE: House Judiciary Committee

CONTACT: Mary Pat Fannon, Executive Director, PSSAM

 

The Public School Superintendents’ Association of Maryland (PSSAM), on behalf of all twenty-four public school superintendents, supports House Bill 1378 with an amendment.

This bill prohibits certain actions under the Child Victims Act against the State or unit of State government from being filed on or after January 1, 2026. 


PSSAM acknowledges the critical importance of ensuring justice for survivors of child sexual abuse and supports the intent of HB 1378 to set a sunset date of January 1, 2026, for filing previously time-barred claims against the State and its entities. We believe this measure provides important clarity regarding the timeline outlined in the Child Victims Act of 2023. While PSSAM supports HB 1378, we respectfully request an amendment that the January 1, 2026 sunset provision for “units of the State” specifically include County boards of education and local governments. Additionally, the sunset provision should apply to non-perpetrator, non-negligent individuals such as superintendents identified by these state entities.


This clarification will provide certainty for all government entities and promote consistent enforcement of the law across public institutions. PSSAM firmly supports justice for victims of child sexual abuse. However, it is essential that any legislative measures fairly consider historical insurance coverage limits, which were substantially lower than today’s statutory thresholds. Without this clarity, compensation for victims would come directly from public funds intended for the education of current and future students — placing an undue burden on local boards of education and the communities they serve. 


PSSAM supports House Bill 1378 and kindly requests a favorable with amendment committee report.

 
 
 

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