Bankruptcy shield for child sex abuse claims tightened
In committeeH.R. 8589Latest action
Sponsor: Deborah K. Ross · Representative · NC
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Official title: To amend title 11 of the United States Code to address misuse of bankruptcy proceedings in cases of child sex abuse, and for other purposes.
119th Congress
Topics: Jobs & the economy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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This bill limits how organizations, including churches, can use bankruptcy to avoid paying child sexual abuse survivors.
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What does this do?
This bill changes federal bankruptcy law to make it harder for people and organizations to use bankruptcy to get out of paying for child sexual abuse. Courts could no longer seal financial records or abuse evidence in these cases, except to protect victim identities. Survivors could also file claims in bankruptcy court even if their state's lawsuit deadline has passed.
Who does it affect?
The bill affects any individual or organization, including nonprofits and churches, that faces child sexual abuse claims and files for bankruptcy. It also directly affects survivors, giving them new rights in bankruptcy court including the right to submit victim impact statements.
Why does it matter?
Without these changes, organizations can use bankruptcy proceedings to limit or avoid financial responsibility for child sexual abuse. The bill also means that debts tied to abuse cannot be erased through bankruptcy if the debtor directly committed the abuse or was grossly negligent.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedApr 29, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · Apr 29, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.