DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa men who were victims of child sexual molestation while they were in the Boy Scouts of America could get higher legal compensation under a bill approved Friday by lawmakers and expected to be signed by the governor, just before the deadline to do so will expire.
The retroactive measure, which would waive the statute of limitations for victims filing a civil claim as part of the Boy Scouts of America bankruptcy settlement, would take effect after Gov. Kim Reynolds signs it.
The Boy Scouts filed for bankruptcy protection in 2020 as it faced hundreds of lawsuits filed by men alleging they had been sexually abused as children by their Scout leaders and volunteers. A $2.46 billion bankruptcy reorganization plan was approved in 2022, after more than 80,000 men filed claims nationwide.
A state’s statute of limitations could decrease the damages that victims receive, according to the fund’s distribution procedures. Under the settlement terms, states had until Friday to extend their statutes of limitations.
EPA designates 2 forever chemicals as hazardous substances, eligible for Superfund cleanup
Sharing the Power of Knowledge
Xie Ai'e: Always Thinking About People
Europe discards Arsenal and Liverpool shift focus to EPL title race
Tianjin's cruise tourism industry set for post
Virtual Shaoxing Opera Actress Fascinates Young Chinese
Experts' views on Hangzhou Asian Games
UN refugee agency tells Cyprus to stick to the law in its efforts at sea to thwart refugee boats
Kings hoping goaltender Cam Talbot can return to early form as Stanley Cup playoffs begin
Chinese Celebrate Spring Festival