Politics

Abuse was a black mark for half a century

Restructuring was driven by concerns about mounting legal fees

Changes gave governor power to fire program administrator

Changes gave attorney general authority over settlements

Ayotte did not include $75 million previously pledged for abuse settlements

This was an annual commitment made under predecessor Chris Sununu

In New Hampshire Governor Ayotte stressed fiscal caution as she campaigned across state last fall

Los Angeles County agreed in April to pay $4 billion to settle more than 6800 sex abuse claims dating to late 1950s with annual payments through 2051

In Washington costs have increased since courts broadened liability and statutes of limitations for some abuse claims

To cover costs lawmakers overdrew account that helps pay such expenses earlier this year

Municipalities and school districts have warned of budget cuts and layoffs and legislative remedies have been floated to rein in future payouts

Lorena Gonzalez said she thought officials would take abuse complaints more seriously

She never envisioned what she described as rush of specialized well-financed lawyers bankrupting cities and making billions from public resources

After California made suing institutions easier in 2019 for victims of child sex abuse claims against municipalities and school districts more than doubled

State did not launch full investigation until around 2020 as victims came forward and filed lawsuits

In Maryland recent legislation reduced cap on abuse settlements by more than half

Offenses as minors included drug use truancy and thefts

State report in 1978 found deficiencies in training at facilities

In 1980 attorney general warned of problems that could lead to lawsuits

State faces potential liability of more than $3 billion from thousands of abuse claims in juvenile facilities