Iowa lawmakers approve bill just in time to increase compensation for Boy Scout abuse victims
Iowa men who suffered child abuse while in the Boy Scouts of America could receive increased statutory damages under a bill approved by lawmakers and expected to be signed by the governor just before the deadline to do this expires.
DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa men who suffered child sexual abuse while in the Boy Scouts of America could receive increased statutory damages under a bill passed by lawmakers Friday and expected to be signed by the governor just before the deadline to do this will pass.
The retroactive measure, which would waive the statute of limitations for victims who file a civil claim as part of the Boy Scouts of America bankruptcy settlement, would take effect after Governor Kim Reynolds signs it.
The Boy Scouts filed for bankruptcy protection in 2020 as they faced hundreds of lawsuits filed by men who alleged they were 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 reduce the damages victims receive, according to the fund’s distribution procedures. Under the terms of the settlement, states had until Friday to extend their statutes of limitations.
“We are faced with a clock ticking to ensure they are not financially punished because their abuse occurred within the borders of our state,” Sen. Janet Petersen, a Democrat, said Wednesday.
Iowa law requires victims of child sexual abuse to file claims before age 19 or, if older, within four years of realizing that an injury suffered was caused by the abuse. The new measure – which only applies to the case against the Boy Scouts of America – gives victims within the Scouts the opportunity to take legal action at any time.
It’s unclear how many Iowa victims will now be able to file new claims before the May 31 deadline.
Reynolds’ spokesperson indicated the governor would sign the bill if it reached her desk.