Maryland limits settlement caps for sexual abuse claims amid flood of cases

In Maryland, following thousands of allegations of sexual abuse, lawmakers implemented a measure to limit future liabilities from claims related to abuse at state and private institutions. The surge in cases arose after the state eliminated the statute of limitations for such claims two years prior, ignited by the Catholic Church abuse scandal. The new law reduces caps on settlements for state institutions from $890,000 to $400,000, and for private institutions from $1.5 million to $700,000. Lawmakers highlighted that approximately 1,500 claims had already been filed with another 4,500 known cases, prompting expectations of potential liability reaching up to $4 billion. While this bill’s passage sought to manage the fiscal implications of the wave of abuse allegations, it has also drawn criticism for its impact on victims’ rights. Prior to the law, victims could not pursue claims once they turned 38 years old. The chair of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, Senator Will Smith, remarked on the unexpected volume of cases that have emerged following the removal of the statute of limitations, which aimed to provide justice for victims. This considerable shift in the legal landscape has created uncertainty, as the reduced settlement caps could deny adequate compensation for many victims. In a separate but related concern in North Carolina, state lawmakers expressed alarm over the management of $15 million intended for human trafficking prevention. Following reporting by ProPublica, a bipartisan committee sought an investigation into how these funds were allocated. Originally managed by Democratic-led agencies, the funds were redirected to a Republican-dominated commission, leading to delays and inefficiencies in disbursement, which affected crucial services for survivors. Such actions spurred calls for an inquiry into possible misuse of funds and increased scrutiny regarding allocation processes for resources intended for vulnerable populations. Both the situation in Maryland and North Carolina reflect ongoing challenges in addressing and managing claims of sexual violence and abuse effectively. The legislative measures signal attempts to balance accountability and fiscal responsibility; however, they also provoke significant scrutiny regarding the potential impact on survivors seeking justice. Pressure to streamline and enhance funding for survivor services remains a pressing issue, raising fundamental questions about how society supports those affected by such heinous acts and ensures justice is served.