COLUMBUS (OH)
Norwalk Reflector [Norwalk OH]
September 30, 2023
Politicians in Columbus may not agree on much these days, but this week they were united in their desire to help victimized former Boy Scouts get the justice they deserve.
Ohio state senators unanimously passed legislation that voids the state’s civil statute of limitations in bankruptcy cases, in an effort to ensure Ohio victims of Boy Scouts abuse get more compensation. The organization filed for bankruptcy back in 2020, after thousands upon thousands of men across the country brought forth claims they had been sexually abused by their Scout leaders.
In the Buckeye State alone, 2,000 claims have been filed. The bill voids the existing cutoff of 12 years for claims, ensuring any victim filing a claim receives all of the money owed through a settlement.
“Nearly 2,000 survivors of childhood sexual abuse are one step closer to justice today,” said Rep. Jessica Miranda, D-28th Dist. “I see this as the first step towards meaningful statute of limitations reform.”
A very similar bill has already passed the House, so it seems as though the version passed by the state Senate should have no trouble making it to Gov. Mike DeWine’s desk.
Miranda is right. This united front should serve as a starting point for examining statutes of limitations, particularly in cases of childhood abuse. A five-year-old who suffered abuse would not yet be an adult when the statute of limitations passes. Surely lawmakers will want to take a look at that language as well.
In the meantime, our elected officials are to be commended for, at least on this point, doing exactly the right thing.