Rhode Island weighs reopening old clergy abuse cases

Rhode Island lawmakers are considering asking the state Supreme Court whether it’s legal to let people sue over sexual abuse by clergy members even after the original deadline to file has passed.

The Senate Judiciary Committee discussed the resolution Thursday. The proposal would revive claims that expired under existing statutes of limitations, potentially opening the door for victims of abuse by priests and other religious figures to seek justice years or decades later.

The move comes as Rhode Island continues grappling with how to handle decades-old abuse cases. If the Senate pursues the advisory opinion, the Supreme Court would weigh in on whether such a revival window passes constitutional muster.

No vote was taken Thursday, but the committee’s discussion signals serious interest in exploring the legal path forward for abuse survivors whose claims have already timed out under current law.

Based on reporting from WPRI.