That sound you just heard was the window slamming shut on childhood victims of sexual abuse in Pennsylvania.
The state Senate has left Harrisburg without even bothering to vote on House Bill 261. That is the legislation that would do several important things in the wake of the latest horrific grand jury report detailing the sexual abuse of children by Catholic priests, and the efforts of the church hierarchy to cover it up.
The bill would have eliminated the statute of limitations to bring criminal charges in such cases, and also expanded the window for victims to bring civil actions against their accusers.
But it would only effect cases going forward. To give those victimized decades ago an opportunity to finally get their day in court, Rep. Mark Rozzi, D-Berks, added an amendment that would offer a two-year window for past victims to file suit.
It passed overwhelmingly in the House. But it never even made to the Senate floor for a vote, despite widespread support for the measure.
We talk about it on today's editorial page.
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