Iowa looks to change statute of limitations law to help Boy Scout sexual abuse survivors

Iowa Lawmakers Move to Extend Statute of Limitations for Child Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Iowa lawmakers are taking steps to make a narrow exception to the state’s strict statute of limitations for child sexual abuse lawsuits. This exception would allow former Boy Scouts who were sexually abused to recover millions of dollars more as part of a national settlement.

Senate Study Bill 3197 Advances

A three-member Senate subcommittee unanimously advanced Senate Study Bill 3197. This legislation removes the statute of limitations for claims related to child sexual abuse only for individuals who are part of a 2020 bankruptcy settlement agreement with the Boy Scouts of America.

Boy Scouts of America Settlement

The Boy Scouts of America is moving forward with a $2.46 billion settlement to resolve sexual abuse cases involving over 82,000 victims who suffered abuse by Boy Scout troop leaders over several decades.

Risk for Former Boy Scouts from Iowa

Due to Iowa’s strict statute of limitations, former Boy Scouts from Iowa are at risk of losing out on millions of dollars unless the state changes its law.

Factors Determining Compensation

The settlement utilizes a matrix of different factors to determine the amount of compensation victims can receive. These factors include the extent of the abuse, its duration, and the state’s statute of limitations on sexual abuse claims.

Iowa’s Statute of Limitations on Civil Claims

Iowa’s statute of limitations on civil claims requires child sexual abuse victims to file a lawsuit by the time they turn 19. If the abuse is discovered after the victim becomes an adult, the claim must be filed within four years of when they establish a connection between their abuse and their injuries.

Legislative Action and Timeline

Sen. Tim Kraayenbrink, R-Fort Dodge, filed the bill with the goal of finding justice for those who have been violated. The bill has been narrowly tailored to increase its chances of passing quickly before an April 19 deadline, which would enable Iowans to qualify for higher payment amounts.

The full Senate Appropriations Committee will consider the bill on Thursday, and Kraayenbrink hopes to pass it out of the Senate early next week. House lawmakers plan to file an identical version of the bill to expedite its journey to Gov. Kim Reynolds’ desk.

Gov. Reynolds has expressed her willingness to review the bill and consider signing it.

Importance of the Legislation

Sen. Janet Petersen, D-Des Moines, highlighted the significance of the bill, stating that without a legislative fix, hundreds of Iowa survivors of sex abuse who were part of the Boy Scouts would be shortchanged hundreds of millions of dollars. While she supports the current narrow bill, Petersen will continue to advocate for broader changes to eliminate Iowa’s civil statute of limitations for child sexual abuse.

Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on Twitter at @sgrubermiller.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The article discusses the issue of child sexual abuse and the need for legislative changes to allow victims to recover compensation. This aligns with SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. The article specifically mentions victims of sexual abuse, who are predominantly girls and women.

The article also highlights the potential loss of compensation for former Boy Scouts from Iowa due to the state’s strict statute of limitations. This relates to SDG 10, which focuses on reducing inequalities within and among countries. The strict statute of limitations creates an inequality in access to compensation for victims of sexual abuse.

Furthermore, the article mentions the legislation being advanced in the Iowa Senate to remove the statute of limitations for claims related to child sexual abuse. This aligns with SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls.
• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
• Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

The article addresses the issue of violence against women and girls, specifically in the context of child sexual abuse. Target 5.2 aims to eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls, including sexual abuse.

The article also highlights the need for legislative changes to ensure the inclusion and empowerment of victims of child sexual abuse. Target 10.2 focuses on promoting the social, economic, and political inclusion of all individuals, irrespective of their status or background.

Additionally, the legislation being advanced in the Iowa Senate aims to remove the statute of limitations for claims related to child sexual abuse. This aligns with Target 16.3, which promotes the rule of law and equal access to justice for all.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These include:

• Number of child sexual abuse cases reported and prosecuted
• Number of victims who receive compensation
• Number of states with legislation removing or extending the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims

The article mentions that more than 82,000 victims suffered abuse by Boy Scout troop leaders over decades. The number of cases reported and prosecuted can serve as an indicator of progress towards Target 5.2, as it reflects efforts to address and eliminate violence against women and girls.

The article also discusses the potential loss of compensation for former Boy Scouts from Iowa due to the state’s strict statute of limitations. The number of victims who receive compensation can be used as an indicator of progress towards Target 10.2, as it reflects the inclusion and empowerment of victims.

Furthermore, the article highlights the legislative changes being pursued in Iowa to remove the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims. The number of states with similar legislation can be used as an indicator of progress towards Target 16.3, as it reflects the promotion of equal access to justice.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: desmoinesregister.com

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