Herman Law Mobilizes Survivors Against Maryland's HB1378, Aiming for Justice

On April 18, 2025, a brave group of childhood sexual abuse survivors convened at Baltimore's War Memorial Plaza, making their voices heard against Maryland's controversial House Bill 1378 (HB1378). This legislation, if passed, threatens to undermine vital legal protections for survivors and could go into effect as soon as June 1, 2025.

The press conference, organized by Herman Law, a leading firm specializing in representing victims of sexual abuse, featured compelling testimonies from nine courageous individuals. Many spoke out publicly for the first time, conveying their deeply personal experiences while urging lawmakers to reject the proposed legislation. The poignant theme echoed throughout: HB1378 must not be allowed to become law.

One survivor shared a powerful statement on the impact of abuse, reflecting on how it had irrevocably altered the course of their life. "I came up here today because I want you to understand that many of us went through this as youth, and it definitely changed the trajectory of our lives," they proclaimed. This sentiment resonated with many who were present, emphasizing the profound emotional scars left by childhood trauma.

If enacted, HB1378 would significantly roll back protections for survivors by reducing the cap on noneconomic damages and limiting the financial liability of schools, governments, and other institutions. Moreover, the new law would impose stringent limits on attorney fees, potentially obstructing survivors' ability to access competent legal representation in navigating complex cases.

Daniel Ellis, a senior attorney at Herman Law, passionately argued against the bill's implications, stating, "This bill threatens to undo years of progress in our fight for justice. It puts arbitrary limits on how survivors can seek accountability, and that's something we cannot stand by and allow to happen.” The bill aims to reinstate barriers, reintroducing challenges for cases that were previously time-barred but reopened after Maryland lifted the statute of limitations in 2023.

Another survivor, representing her incarcerated son, emphasized that the ramifications of childhood abuse extend far beyond the individual. "My son asked me to be his voice. His entire life has been impacted by the abuse he suffered...The impact hasn't only changed his life — it's affected my life and the life of his son, too,” she articulated, shedding light on the ripple effect of trauma on families.

As the press conference continued, various survivors articulated their frustrations, particularly the stigma surrounding male victims of sexual abuse. One disclosed, "As men, we're often embarrassed to admit we were assaulted by another man. After [many] years, I can now finally ... hold these people responsible.” Such statements highlighted the urgent need for open discourse on these sensitive issues.

The event concluded with a unified appeal to Maryland lawmakers, calling for the prevention of HB1378 from being signed into law. Advocates urged the public and media to amplify the voices of survivors, stressing the importance of maintaining supportive policies and not further complicating the paths to justice. Herman Law called for increased solidarity in championing the rights of survivors.

As momentum builds against HB1378, survivors and advocates are reaching out to Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore, beseeching him to heed their heartfelt testimonies and halt the bill before it takes effect. "After 40-some years of holding onto a secret I swore I'd take to the grave, my brothers out here today gave me the courage to finally step up and say something," one survivor shared, invoking a spirit of encouragement for others in similar situations.

In a heartfelt closing plea, another individual implored the audience, "To anybody watching — listen, we need you to come out and speak up. We were taken advantage of as kids, and now we're adults still carrying that pain. They've got to be held accountable. So, if you're out there, forget everything else — just speak up ... Please, speak up.”

For those seeking support, Herman Law offers free and confidential consultations. Interested parties can connect with a member of the team by calling 1-866-850-3766 or visiting their website at HermanLaw.com/Maryland.

About Herman Law

Herman Law is a nationally recognized law firm dedicated to advocating for victims of sexual abuse. With a compassionate approach, the firm seeks justice by holding institutions accountable while guiding survivors through civil litigation. For in-depth information on their mission and services, visit HermanLaw.com.