DLS warns 12,000 Child Victims Act claims pose major potential liability; no settlement progress reported
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Summary
Department of Legislative Services told the committee there are roughly 12,000 Child Victims Act claims and little progress toward settlement, creating a large, unresolved fiscal exposure that could require multiyear payouts or litigation outcomes.
The Department of Legislative Services told the Judiciary Committee on Jan. 29 that roughly 12,000 claims have been filed under the Child Victims Act, and that state and plaintiffs remain far apart on settlement expectations. "There have been 12,000 claims filed," the presenter said, noting the cap on maximum payouts varies by filing date and that no meaningful progress toward a global settlement has occurred.
Why it matters: At the figures cited in the briefing, aggregate exposure could reach into the billions depending on settlement terms and court outcomes, representing a significant fiscal risk to the state budget that would outlast the current term.
What DLS said: The presenter described the maximum statutory payout per claimant (up to $890,000 depending on filing date) and provided an illustrative worst-case multiplication to show potential scale of exposure; DLS emphasized that such a worst-case outcome is unlikely and that the state has not reached a settlement. "There does not appear to have been any progress to date on this in any of the settlement discussions," the presenter said.
Next steps: DLS recommended the committee seek updates from the Attorney General's office on settlement negotiations and said resolution is unlikely before the next legislative term, meaning the fiscal effect could appear in future budgets.
Closing note: The committee did not take any action during the briefing; members indicated they would follow up with legal counsel and budget committees.
