“The Pennsylvania Senate agrees that all victims of childhood sexual abuse should have the ability to face their abusers. Last session, the Pennsylvania Senate passed a constitutional amendment to address the statute of limitations for victims of child sexual abuse. The Wolf Administration dropped the ball and failed to initiate the public review process, which gives public notice by clearly explaining the ballot question. As a result, they are now asking the Pennsylvania General Assembly to elevate this matter to emergency status to include on the May primary ballot. After careful consideration, it has been determined by the majority that this matter does not meet the emergency status criteria and does not correct the failure by the Wolf Administration as it still does not properly vet this matter with the public. In fact, elevating this matter to emergency status further by-passes the public vetting process denying Pennsylvanians proper consideration of the proposed amendment. More importantly, the strongest legal position to bring closure to this matter and allow all victims (public and private) of childhood sexual abuse to face their abusers is via constitutional amendment. The dereliction of duty by the Wolf administration has forced the Pennsylvania Senate to reset the clock on the constitutional amendment. The Pennsylvania Senate will act in the same manner as it has previously and in accordance with the Commonwealth’s constitution and will seek to pass another constitutional amendment.”
CONTACT:
Erica Clayton Wright
ewright@pasen.gov
717-787-6063 Office
412-334-4856 Cell
Note: Attached for reference is the Pennsylvania Constitution emergency declaration language.
PENNSYLVANIA CONSTITUTION EMERGENCY DECLARATION LANGUAGE
CONSTITUTION of the COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
ARTICLE XI
AMENDMENTS
- 1. Proposal of amendments by the General Assembly and their adoption.
(a) In the event a major emergency threatens or is about to threaten the Commonwealth and if the safety or welfare of the Commonwealth requires prompt amendment of this Constitution, such amendments to this Constitution may be proposed in the Senate or House of Representatives at any regular or special session of the General Assembly, and if agreed to by at least two-thirds of the members elected to each House, a proposed amendment shall be entered on the journal of each House with the yeas and nays taken thereon and the official in charge of statewide elections shall promptly publish such proposed amendment in at least two newspapers in every county in which such newspapers are published. Such amendment shall then be submitted to the qualified electors of the Commonwealth in such manner, and at such time, at least one month after being agreed to by both Houses as the General Assembly prescribes.