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2-Year Window For Child Sex Abuse Suits Divides Negotiators

Matt Rourke
/
AP

A state House Democrat negotiating legislation to help victims of child sexual abuse is rejecting an approach recently circulated by the top-ranking Senate Republican.

Rep. Mark Rozzi said Friday "prepare for war," referring to the two-page document he received Thursday from the office of Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati.

The House last month voted for a 2-year window for abuse victims to file civil lawsuits over claims that would otherwise be barred by time limits in state law.

Scarnati's outline doesn't include such a window.

A state investigative grand jury report issued in August found that hundreds of Roman Catholic priests abused children over decades. It recommended a window.

A Scarnati aide says the document is meant to "continue good faith conversations."

The Senate could vote next week.