BOCES of NYS urges Governor Hochul to support legislation amending local finance law for settlements

In a letter dated August 7, 2025, the BOCES of NYS urged Governor Hochul to approve S.6372, Mayer / A.7631, Lunsford, an act to amend the local finance law, in relation to the probable usefulness of judgments, compromised claims or settled claims resulting from certain child sexual abuse cases.

If enacted, the legislation would allow school districts and BOCES to finance payments on judgements and claims related to Child Victims Act (CVA) claims over 30 years. BOCES of NYS acknowledged the suffering experienced by survivors of sexual abuse and the importance of addressing what has happened through these claims.

The combination of the lookback window and the extended statute of limitations created under this act civil lawsuits related to child sexual abuse can be filed decades after the fact. As a result, there is often inadequate or no insurance coverage to address the award. In some instances, insurance companies disclaim responsibility entirely.

Currently, New York law authorizes school districts and BOCES to bond for periods of up to 15 years to finance payments of judgments and settlements. Individual claims have resulted in tens of millions of dollars, in some cases jeopardizing educational opportunities for current students and placing a financial burden on taxpayers.

Extending the authorization to bond for up to 30 years would give districts and BOCES another tool to deliver compensation to victims of abuse while allowing districts and BOCES to spread the cost of these claims over a longer period, lessening the impact on current students and residents.