Rep. McEntee Honored by Day One With Spotlight Award

Rep. McEntee Honored by Day One With Spotlight Award

Representative Carol Hagan McEntee was honored by Day One with the organization’s Spotlight Award for her sponsorship and advocacy for a new law that extends the civil statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims.

McEntee was honored along with her sister, Dr. Ann Hagan Webb, who the bill is named after.

“Annie and I were truly honored to be recognized by Day One, an organization that does so much to fight against abuse and help all those who are affected by physical, mental, and sexual abuse.  It has been a long road to seeing ‘Annie’s Bill’ become law and it would not have been possible without the aid of Day One and others who are equally committed to ending childhood sexual abuse,” said McEntee.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

McEntee was honored during the third annual Dine for Day One event held on October 24 at the Hasbro headquarters in Pawtucket.

The Legislation

McEntee’s legislation, “Annie’s Bill,” extends the statute of limitations for victims of childhood sexual abuse from seven years to 35 years.

The legislation also extends to 35 years the statute of limitations for entities, individuals or organizations which caused or contributed to childhood sexual abuse through negligent supervision, conduct, concealment or other factors that enabled the abuse to occur. 

The State of Rhode Island and its municipalities are also included under this provision of the legislation.

The 35-year statute begins at the age of 18 for the victims.

The bill also includes a “seven-year discovery rule” which enables victims of sex abuse to file suit against perpetrators and non-perpetrators up to seven years from the time a victim discovered or remembered abuse had taken place, such as through therapy as an adult.