Press Release: New Caps on Maryland Abuse Lawsuits Take Effect
Effective this upcoming Sunday, Maryland will implement new caps on financial payouts for abuse lawsuits, following the passage of several significant laws by the General Assembly. The Child Victims Act, enacted earlier this session, removes the statute of limitations for filing abuse lawsuits, a response to recent revelations of misconduct in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
To address fiscal concerns amid a $3 billion state budget shortfall, lawmakers introduced HB1378, which limits payouts from public institutions to $400,000 and from private institutions to $700,000—substantially less than previous limits. Attorney fees are also capped, causing concern among survivors and advocacy groups, who argue these changes make it economically unfeasible to pursue justice.
In addition to the new caps, other laws effective from June 1 include the Next Generation Energy Act, offering temporary rebates on energy bills while eliminating public subsidies for trash incineration. Tighter penalties for drunk driving and increased speed cameras on Baltimore’s I-83 are also part of the new legislation.
These laws reflect a mix of fiscal responsibility and infrastructure development, but they underscore the ongoing debate over balancing state budget concerns with survivor rights.
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