Maryland House Bill HB722

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/26
• Refer: 2/2/26

Caption

Child Sexual Abuse Claims - Doctrine of Charitable Immunity - Abrogation

Impact

The proposed legislation will allow victims to file lawsuits for child sexual abuse without being barred by previous limitations on filing such claims. It specifically addresses the concerns surrounding the enforcement of time limitations related to sexual abuse claims that would have otherwise been dismissed due to the expired statute of limitations. With the bill indicating a retroactive application, it opens the door for many former victims who had previously been unable to file claims due to the charitable immunity doctrine or time restrictions.

Summary

House Bill 722 is a significant legislative proposal in Maryland that seeks to abrogate the doctrine of charitable immunity in cases of child sexual abuse claims. The bill details how victims of sexual abuse can pursue legal action against organizations that may have previously been shielded due to this doctrine. By eliminating this immunity, victims will have the opportunity to seek damages from such organizations for actions that occurred while they were minors, thus allowing for greater accountability within charitable organizations that historically might have escaped liability.

Contention

The discourse surrounding HB 722 may involve significant contention, particularly regarding the implications for charitable organizations. Opponents could argue that removing the charitable immunity could result in financial repercussions for organizations that engage in good work but may face claims for past abuses. Proponents, however, maintain that victims deserve the right to seek justice and that charitable organizations should not be exempt from accountability. The bill's success may hinge on balancing these viewpoints and the potential societal impacts of its implementation.