The Two-Year Revival Window: What HB 462 & HB 464 Could Mean for Sexual Abuse Survivors in 2025-26
Published June 23, 2025, in The Jurist Journal
Written by: Matthew Edelstein
Quick Take: On June 9, 2025, the Pennsylvania House passed House Bill 462 (122-80) and House Bill 464 (138-64). HB 462 would create a statutory two-year look-back period. HB 464 would pursue the same relief through a constitutional amendment. Both now face a steeper climb in the Senate—and time-barred survivors should start preserving evidence today.
HB 462 vs. HB 464 —Two Paths to the Same Goal
HB 462 and HB 464 aim to give adult survivors a two-year revival window to file civil claims that the statute of limitations currently bars, but they travel different legal routes.
1. HB 462 is ordinary legislation: it would amend Pennsylvania’s Judicial Code to suspend the statute of limitations for two years. The bill sailed through the House on June 9, 2025, and was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee on June 18; from there it needs a committee vote, full Senate passage, and the governor’s signature before the window could open—potentially as soon as 2026.
2. HB 464, in contrast, is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment that would establish the same two-year window. Because amendments must pass both chambers in two consecutive legislative sessions and then win approval on a statewide ballot, the earliest voters could see it is 2027. Advancing both bills in tandem hedges against future court challenges: HB 462 offers a quicker statutory fix, while HB 464 would embed the change in the constitution for added durability.
Why two bills? Lawmakers have sparred for years over whether a statutory fix would withstand constitutional challenge. Running both tracks’ hedges against court invalidation and political gridlock.
Why the Revival Window Matters
Many survivors first disclose abuse decades later, well after Pennsylvania’s present civil deadline (age 55 or within 12 years of discovery for child sexual abuse). A revival window briefly suspends those limits, enabling claims that were once “time barred.” Similar windows in New Jersey (2019-2021) and New York (2019-2023) generated thousands of filings—unmasking hidden offenders and compelling institutional reforms.
Senate Roadblocks to Watch
Committee Bottleneck. Both bills sit in Republican-controlled committees that have historically declined to advance look-back legislation.
Amendment “Bundling.” Senate leaders signal they may tie HB 464 to unrelated issues such as voter-ID requirements, repeating a tactic that stalled prior attempts.
Legal Concerns from Insurers & Institutions. Opponents argue HB 462 could face constitutional attack and significant liability exposure for schools, churches, and public entities.
Bottom line: Even with overwhelming House support, the window will open only if survivors, advocates, and constituents maintain pressure on Senate leadership.
Action Steps for Survivors—Don’t Wait for the Window to Open
1. Preserve Physical & Digital Evidence
Medical and counseling records
Photographs, journals, emails, social-media messages
Any contemporaneous reports (school, church, HR, police)
2. Identify Potential Witnesses
Classmates, co-workers, relatives, or professionals who noticed red flags. Draft a memory log with dates and contact details.
3. Secure Financial Documents
Proof of therapy costs, lost wages, or relocation expenses—key to damages calculations.
4. Consult Experienced Counsel Early
At Edelstein Law we can issue preservation letters, subpoena fragile records, and file notice of intent to sue the moment the window opens. Early engagement avoids last-minute scrambles and mitigates spoliation risks.
5. For New Jersey Survivors
NJ’s statutory window closed in 2021, but its extended statute (age 55 or 7 years after discovery) remains. Cross-border abuse or defendants headquartered in New Jersey may still confer New Jersey jurisdiction—ask counsel which forum offers the strongest claim.
Looking Ahead
If HB 462 clears the Senate this summer, Governor Shapiro could sign it well before January 2026, opening the revival period immediately upon enactment. If only HB 464 advances, the first possible ballot question is spring 2027. Either way, proactive preparation in 2025-26 puts survivors in the strongest litigation posture once the clock officially starts.
We’re Here to Help
Edelstein Law has championed survivors’ rights across Pennsylvania and New Jersey for nearly three decades. Our trauma-informed team stands ready to:
Evaluate your claim confidentially
Preserve critical evidence
Navigate multi-state statutes of limitation
Call 215-893-9311 or visit our contact page for a free, private consultation.
Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and does not create, nor is it intended to create an attorney–client relationship between the reader and Edelstein Law, LLP or any of its attorneys. For legal guidance on your specific circumstances, please direct all inquiries to Jay Edelstein, Esq., and Edelstein Law, LLP.
