By The Tablet Staff

Today lawmakers in Albany are expected to pass the Child Victims Act, making it easier for victims of sexual abuse to sue as adults.

The bill, which has undergone years of legal back and forth, now includes language ensuring that it will apply to those abused at public, as well as private institutions, particularly schools.

The New York State Catholic Conference dropped its long opposition to the bill after it was assured of that provision.

The bill will raise the statue of limitations for civil cases brought by people who say they were sexually abused as children up until they reach the age off 55. Victims over the age of 55 would be allowed a one-year grace period to file their claims. The current law only allows victims to sue until they’ve reached the age of 23.

Additionally, the Child Victims Act includes what is called a “look-back window” – a one-year period for adult victims who had previously been prohibited by the current statute of limitations, to file suit.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is expected to sign the bill into law sometime Monday evening.

Editor’s note: This story is developing.