NY Congressman Accuses Governor Hochul of Inaction on Child Sexual Abuse Claims

Representative Michael Lawler from New York has criticized Governor Kathy Hochul for delays in compelling insurance companies to settle claims for victims of childhood sexual abuse, who have filed lawsuits under the Child Victims Act.

Passed nearly seven years ago, the law was designed to allow survivors to seek justice as adults—permitting criminal charges until age 28 and civil cases until age 55, with a one-year window to file regardless of when the offense occurred. However, Lawler states that insurers, including those linked to the Catholic Church, hospitals, schools, and youth organizations, are denying coverage, claiming past abuse was “expected or intended.”

Many cases remain entangled in court due to insurers refusing to honor their obligations, according to a coalition advocating for victims’ compensation. Lawler argues that the state has failed to enforce regulations that require insurers to cooperate promptly and act in good faith, resulting in survivors being denied justice. He also criticizes the “two-tiered” system, where claims against private institutions can proceed, but cases involving state-run facilities are dismissed prematurely, a disparity he calls “indefensible.”

Lawler emphasizes that justice must be universal, stating, “Justice cannot be selective. The promises made to survivors cannot be conditional.” He advocates for immediate enforcement of existing laws and urges Hochul to require insurers to negotiate fairly and to address disparities between private and public institution cases.

The ongoing scandal and the associated costs, especially for the Catholic Church, have led to layoffs and financial strains. Hochul’s office insists her administration is actively monitoring litigation and ensuring accountability, with the state’s Department of Financial Services overseeing unresolved cases.