In an emotionally charged session yesterday, Maryland's House Judiciary Committee passed a bill that would sharply decrease the compensation for survivors of childhood sexual abuse under the state's Child Victims Act of 2023. According to WMAR2 News, this controversial measure was met with strong emotions, as two delegates left the room in protest, and another, Delegate Nicole Williams, expressed her distress through tears.
Under the current law, the maximum payout for claims against government agencies is $890,000, and $1.5 million against private institutions. The proposed bill would cut these amounts to $400,000 and $700,000, respectively, for cases filed after May 31st. As WMAR2 News reported, Delegate Robin Grammer, a Republican committee member, sharply criticized the legislation, stating that it essentially functions as a "predator protection act." By instituting a hard cap on damages despite the number of abuse instances, Grammer contended that the bill fails survivors.
The legislation was also met with dissatisfaction from the Maryland chapter of the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP). David Lorenz of SNAP voiced his disappointment in an interview with The Baltimore Banner, particularly regarding the lowered cap against private institutions. The Maryland Catholic Conference, meanwhile, urged legislators to reconsider, arguing through a statement that the true focus should be on understanding the depth of abuse and improving victim support.
With the deadline of midnight on Monday, April 7, looming, the full House is expected to begin debating the bill on Thursday.
