Lawmaker pushing tougher Hidden Predator Act

A tougher Hidden Predator Act would close a loophole that has allowed businesses and nonprofits to largely escape liability in childhood sexual abuse claims, the bill's sponsor says.

At least a dozen lawsuits have been filed in the two years since the Hidden Predator Act went into effect. The law allowed victims up to 35 years to confront their abuser in court but the institutions that allegedly enabled or covered up predatory behavior have so far avoided any potential liability.

“What these cases have proven is that we stopped short,” said Rep. Jason Spencer (R-Woodbine), who is proposing an amendment to the Hidden Predator Act that would extend the statute of limitations for such entities. “It’s our duty to balance the scales of justice for victims.”