BALTIMORE — The Circuit Court for Baltimore City is temporarily pausing all civil lawsuits filed under Maryland's Child Victims Act (CVA).
In October 2023, the Maryland General Assembly passed the CVA, eliminating the statute of limitations for child sex abuse claims.
The Maryland Supreme Court in February ruled the law constitutional.
WATCH: Baltimore court pauses Child Victims Act lawsuits
Since then, 1,269 complaints have been filed in Baltimore City Circuit Court alone.
Staring down a large budget deficit, state lawmakers grew concerned as to how they would fund CVA claims.
So in April they revised the CVA by capping payouts to victims suing over older allegations.
Under the revisions, victims of past incidents taking place at private entities can be awarded a maximum settlement of $700,000, or $400,000 if the offense occurred at a state-owned facility.
Due to the influx in cases, Baltimore City Administrative Circuit Court Judge, Audrey J.S. Carrión, paused all CVA lawsuits until Maryland's Supreme Court weighs in.
In her order Carrión made clear that new claims will be accepted, however, important deadlines like discovery motions and defendant responses are currently suspended.
"This Order does not terminate or dispose of any CVA cases, nor does it bar parties who have yet to file their actions under the CVA from filing new claims," writes Carrión. "The Maryland Judiciary’s [Rules Committee] is considering recommending changes to establish a clear process for the circuit courts to efficiently manage the high volume of similarly situated CVA cases."
A court spokesperson told WMAR there is no set time frame on when the state's high court will rule.
The judge's full order can be read below.
