The state’s highest court ruled Jan. 28 that expired time limits on lawsuits can’t be undone, blocking certain abuse claims against the Diocese of Portland.

The Roman Catholic Bishop of Maine challenged the law after it was sued by dozens of adults who claimed they were abused by clergy members.

Lawmakers in the state approved the law in 2021, and it was later challenged by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland.

The court ruled that a recently passed state law eliminating the statute of limitations on civil lawsuits involving child sexual abuse is unconstitutional.