California sex abuse law likely to spur thousands of claims

Attorneys predict thousands of lawsuits will be filed against alleged child molesters as well as the institutions that employed them under a new California law taking effect next year.

The California School Boards Association called the new law an "existential threat" to smaller school districts. Attorneys say the Roman Catholic Church, Boy Scouts of America and other institutions will also face a flood of lawsuits that could force bankruptcies.

They are newly possible because the law that Gov. Gavin Newsom approved on Sunday gives victims of childhood sexual abuse until age 40, up from age 26, to file lawsuits. It also gives victims of all ages three years to sue, starting Jan. 1.