Rhode Island House passes clergy sex abuse bills following AG report

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Rhode Island House has approved a package of bills aimed at strengthening accountability for childhood sexual abuse, including several measures tied to the state’s recent clergy abuse report. 

The legislation, introduced by House Judiciary Chair Carol Hagan McEntee, includes five bills designed to expand legal protections for victims and hold both abusers and institutions accountable.

Three of the measures were recommended in the Attorney General’s report on clergy sexual abuse, which detailed decades of abuse and alleged institutional cover-ups.

2026-H 7200 — Expands legal options for victims

This bill broadens what qualifies as child sexual abuse under the law and makes it easier for victims to file civil lawsuits. It allows victims to sue not only abusers, but also institutions that may have failed to prevent or concealed abuse. It also creates a 53-year lookback period and opens a two-year window (July 2026–June 2028) for older cases to be brought forward.

2026-H 8086A — Extends statute of limitations

This measure gives victims more time to seek justice:

• Second-degree sexual assault: up to 10 years after the offense, or 10 years after turning 18 if the victim was a minor
• Third-degree sexual assault: time limit begins when the victim turns 18, not when the incident occurred

2026-H 8093A — Expands mandatory reporting requirements

This bill broadens the definition of “educational programs” required to report abuse. It now includes:

• Charter schools
• Religious (parochial) schools
• After-school programs
• Camps and similar youth programs

This ensures more organizations are legally required to report suspected abuse.

2026-H 7656 — Targets pensions for convicted offenders

This legislation allows the state to reduce or revoke pension benefits for public employees who are convicted of felony sex crimes tied to their job or public role.

2026-H 7648 — Improves reporting systems

This bill requires law enforcement to electronically file domestic violence and sexual assault reports. It also:

• Expands the information included in reports
• Requires submissions monthly or as soon as possible