The Wolf administration is refusing to answer questions about how a state agency derailed a ballot measure meant to go before voters in May to decide whether survivors of decades-old sexual abuse should have an opportunity for legal recourse, Spotlight PA has found. 

Last week, the Department of State, which oversees elections, disclosed that it had failed to advertise the proposed constitutional amendment as required by law, preventing the question from appearing on the ballot in May. 

The stunning admission devastated clergy sexual abuse survivors and others who are time-barred from bringing litigation under the statute of limitations, and led to the swift resignation of the agency’s top official, Kathy Boockvar.

Since then, however, the administration has refused to answer repeated questions from Spotlight PA about how the error happened, who else might be responsible, and what specifically has been done to prevent it from happening again. Officials have, however, conceded they had no formal process in place.

THE CONTEXT: One source familiar with the process said that, generally, the agency’s legislative affairs staff plays a key role in tracking legislation, including proposed amendments, and informing the agency’s top lawyers and senior staff of where they stand in the legislative process.

The Office of State Inspector General is investigating the mistake, but its reports are not released to the public unless allowed by the governor. After our story published, Wolf's office committed to be transparent with the report.

Time will tell.

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