Rhode Island House Approves Bills to Open Catholic Church to Lawsuits

Legislation would extend statute of limitations and reporting requirements for sexual abuse cases

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:35pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of an empty Catholic church sanctuary, with warm sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows and deep shadows casting an uneasy mood over the space, conceptually representing the complex legacy of abuse and accountability surrounding the state's religious institutions.The Rhode Island House's approval of bills to open the Catholic Church to lawsuits over past abuse cases casts a somber shadow over the future of the state's religious institutions.East Providence Today

The Rhode Island House of Representatives has approved three bills backed by the state's attorney general that would open the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence and other institutions to lawsuits and require additional reporting in sexual abuse cases. The measures, sponsored by Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee, now head to the Senate where they face a tougher test after similar reform stalled last year.

Why it matters

This legislation aims to provide more avenues for survivors of clergy abuse to seek justice, while also increasing transparency and accountability for institutions like the Catholic Church that have been accused of covering up past abuse. However, the Diocese has strongly opposed the bills, arguing they could lead to bankruptcy due to legal fees.

The details

The first bill approved by the House would open a 'revival window' allowing previously expired claims against institutions and supervisors responsible for enabling or covering up sexual abuse. The second bill would extend the statute of limitations for second-degree sexual abuse from 3 to 10 years. The third bill would expand mandatory reporting requirements to more youth-serving organizations. All three proposals were recommended by Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha in a recent report detailing decades of abuse by clergy that was covered up by the Diocese.

  • The 'revival window' would open on July 1, 2026 and close on June 30, 2028.
  • The House approved the bills on April 7, 2026.

The players

Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee

A South Kingstown Democrat who chairs the House Committee on Judiciary and is the lead sponsor of the legislation. Her sister is a survivor of clergy abuse.

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha

Authored a 282-page report detailing decades of abuse by clergy that was covered up by the Diocese of Providence, and recommended the legislative reforms.

Most Rev. Bernard A. Healey

Chairman of the Rhode Island Catholic Conference, who has argued the legislation could lead to bankruptcy for the Diocese due to legal fees.

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What they’re saying

“'Give the survivors a chance for justice. There needs to be transparency and accountability.'”

— Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee, Lead Sponsor

“'This will result in millions of dollars in legal fees for plaintiffs' attorneys. The proposed retroactive change in the law does nothing to enhance the security of young people today.'”

— Most Rev. Bernard A. Healey, Chairman, Rhode Island Catholic Conference

“'Statute of limitations exist for a reason. You can't let people bring criminal prosecutions or civil suits if there's no way to defend the claim.'”

— Rep. Brian Newberry, North Smithfield Republican

What’s next

The legislation now heads to the Rhode Island Senate, where it faces a tougher test after similar reform stalled last year. Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Matthew LaMountain said he is still reviewing the House testimony and legal research to ensure any actions taken by the Senate are constitutional and appropriate.

The takeaway

This legislation represents a significant effort to provide more avenues for survivors of clergy abuse to seek justice, while also increasing transparency and accountability for institutions like the Catholic Church that have been accused of covering up past abuse. However, the Diocese's strong opposition and concerns about the bills' constitutionality suggest the Senate will face a difficult deliberation process.