BILL TO REQUIRE ABUSE REPORTS

Leaders in both the State Senate and the Assembly appeared to be moving swiftly to pass legislation requiring the clergy to report abuse to state authorities.  But the proposed legislation in New York has gone nowhere while several states have toughened their mandatory reporting laws.  In an effort to move the issue forward, Senator Thomas Duane (D-Manhattan) yesterday introduced his own bill to require clergy to report suspected abuse.  It also would give victims for whom the five year statute of limitations has passed a three year window, opening when the bill goes into effect, in which to bring a civil claim against a clergy person or church.

(Albany, New York)