Regards student use of a nasal epinephrine delivery device

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Tracy Richardson

HB 462 creates a two-year window to sue childhood sexual abuse claims that would otherwise be time-barred, with immunity exceptions applying retroactively and prospectively.

Effective 8/26/26

#education #healthandhumanservices #primaryandsecondaryeducation

Main purpose

HB 462 would change Pennsylvania law in Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) to (1) create a temporary two‑year window allowing civil lawsuits alleging childhood sexual abuse where the statute of limitations already has expired, and (2) make exceptions to sovereign and governmental immunity for childhood sexual abuse apply retroactively and prospectively. The bill also includes related amendments to limitation‑of‑time provisions (infancy, insanity, imprisonment) and contains a repeal provision (text not reproduced in the materials provided).

Key provisions

Temporary claims window: Establishes a two‑year window, opening on the bill’s effective date, during which persons alleging they were sexually abused as children (under 18 at time of the abuse) may bring civil actions even if prior limitation periods have run.

Immunity exceptions: Explicitly states that the childhood‑sexual‑abuse immunity exceptions created by Act 87 of 2019 apply both retroactively and prospectively as of the bill’s effective date.

Judicial review / scope: Grants the Pennsylvania Supreme Court extraordinary jurisdiction to hear challenges or to render a declaratory judgment on the constitutionality of the bill.

Nonseverability: Provisions are nonseverable — if any part is found invalid, the entire enactment would be void.

Effective date: The bill’s text (per fiscal analysis) indicates it would take effect immediately upon enactment; the temporary window would open on passage.

Who would be affected

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse: Individuals whose claims are currently time‑barred could file suit during the two‑year window.

Commonwealth and local governments (and agencies/institutions): Entities previously protected by sovereign or governmental immunity in time‑barred cases could face new or revived civil claims; potential exposure includes state agencies, local governments, schools, and public institutions.

Courts and litigants: Potential increase in filings and litigation activity.

Insurers and taxpayers: Possible increased liability exposure could lead to claims against public employers and insurers, with budgetary implications.

Fiscal and practical impact

Fiscal note (House Appropriations, June 9, 2025) concludes enactment could have a fiscal impact on the Commonwealth and local governments by enabling lawsuits that are currently barred by immunity and statute‑of‑limitations rules. The size and timing of any impact are indeterminate and depend on the number of lawsuits filed and the magnitude of awards or settlements.

Administrative/court effects: Likely to increase civil caseloads; magnitude uncertain.

Procedural / timeline notes

As drafted in analysis materials, the two‑year revival window begins on passage (effective immediately). The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee for review.

Because provisions are nonseverable and the Supreme Court is given extraordinary jurisdiction, the bill anticipates early constitutional challenges; a successful challenge to any part could nullify the whole act.

Sources: House Appropriations fiscal analysis (June 9, 2025) and bill synopsis (Title 42 amendments and temporary claims window).

Bill