Republican Governor Mike DeWine has signed a new law in Ohio that guarantees increased compensation for victims of child sexual abuse within the Boy Scouts of America. The measure comes as the organization faces a bankruptcy settlement, which was first filed in 2020 after tens of thousands of men across the country came forward with claims of sexual abuse by their Scout leaders. Of the victims, nearly 2,000 are from Ohio alone.

By filing for bankruptcy, the Boy Scouts of America aimed to continue operating while still providing partial compensation to the victims amidst a flood of lawsuits. The amount each victim receives varies from state to state, depending on the length of the statute of limitations for civil claims and the severity of each abuse case. Prior to Governor DeWine's signing of the new law, Ohio's civil statute of limitations in bankruptcy cases was set at 12 years. However, this law is now void for the next five years, meaning that victims of Boy Scout abuse filing a claim will receive the full amount they are owed through the settlement, rather than just 30 to 45% of it.

Ohio is the first state to take advantage of a provision in the settlement that allows for the extension of the statute of limitations. Republican Representative Bill Seitz, one of the sponsors of the measure, stated that Ohio is leading the way in ensuring justice for the victims of child sexual abuse within the Boy Scouts of America.

The implementation of this measure is a significant step forward in providing support and compensation to victims of child sexual abuse, particularly within the Boy Scouts of America. The bankruptcy settlement has allowed for a framework in which victims can seek justice and financial restitution. The signing of the new law by Governor DeWine reinforces Ohio's commitment to holding accountable those responsible for the abuse.