Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa Files Two Discharge Petitions for Window to Justice Legislation

HARRISBURG, PA - May 4, 2026 − Today, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa filed discharge petitions for House Bill 462 and House Bill 464, which both open a Window to Justice for adult survivors of child sex abuse. Both bills passed the House of Representatives in June of 2025 with broad bipartisan consensus.

In urging swift action in opening a Window to Justice, Senator Costa releases the following statement:

"Due to Senate Republican inaction on Window to Justice legislation, Senate Democrats filed discharge petitions to move two Window to Justice bills out of committee and onto a full Senate vote. Further delaying justice to over a thousand adults who were abused as children is wrong. For years, Senate Democrats have fought for healing and support for adults who suffered sexual abuse. But time and again, Senate Republicans have chosen to drag their feet and play cheap political games instead. While a devastating clerical error thwarted our efforts to open a Window to Justice in the past, we cannot abandon the survivors who have bravely shared their stories in their yearslong quest for accountability, healing, and relief. We are calling on Senate Republicans to help us right this wrong."

Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats' commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.

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