Rhode Island House Approves Clergy Sex Abuse Accountability Legislation

The bill aims to deliver justice for victims of childhood sexual abuse by clergy members.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:49pm

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A detailed, cinematic painting of a solitary church confessional booth, its wooden panels and ornate details casting long shadows in warm, golden light, conceptually representing the dark history of clergy sex abuse and the push for accountability.The shadows of the past loom large as Rhode Island lawmakers seek to shed light on decades of clergy sex abuse and institutional coverups.Providence Today

The Rhode Island House of Representatives has passed legislation designed to hold institutions and organizations accountable for the negligent supervision or concealment of clergy members who sexually abused minors. The bill, introduced by Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee, would establish civil liability and allow for a two-year revival window of legal action beginning in 2026. McEntee's proposal is personal, as her sister is a survivor of clergy sex abuse.

Why it matters

This legislation is a response to a recent report by the Rhode Island Attorney General that identified 72 'credibly accused' priests dating back to 1950, highlighting the systemic coverup of pervasive sexual abuse of children by the Catholic Church and other powerful institutions. The bill aims to provide long-overdue accountability and justice for victims who have lived with the trauma of these crimes for decades.

The details

Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee's legislation would establish civil liability for institutions, organizations, and individuals who were negligent in supervising or concealing anyone who sexually abused a minor. The proposal would be retroactive up to 35 years, with a two-year revival window of action beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2028.

  • The Rhode Island House passed the legislation on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
  • The two-year revival window for legal action would begin on July 1, 2026, and end on June 30, 2028.

The players

Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee

The Rhode Island state representative who introduced the legislation to hold institutions accountable for clergy sex abuse. Her sister is a survivor of clergy sex abuse.

Peter Neronha

The Rhode Island Attorney General who released a sweeping 370-page report identifying 72 'credibly accused' priests dating back to 1950.

Dr. Ann Hagan Webb

Rep. McEntee's sister, who is a survivor of clergy sex abuse.

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What they’re saying

“This report is a long time coming and it should be clear to anyone reading it that the systematic coverup of this pervasive and appalling behavior is just as bad as the actual assaults of countless helpless children.”

— Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee, Rhode Island State Representative

“Sexual abusers of children, and those who protect these disgusting predators, should not be able to hide behind statutes of limitations or other time delaying tactics to avoid liability for these perverse and evil crimes.”

— Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee, Rhode Island State Representative

What’s next

The legislation now heads to the Rhode Island Senate for consideration.

The takeaway

This bill represents a significant step towards accountability and justice for victims of clergy sex abuse in Rhode Island. By establishing civil liability for institutions that failed to protect children, it aims to prevent further coverups and ensure that survivors receive the long-overdue recognition and compensation they deserve.