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H 1732

An Act amending the statute of limitations relating to civil rights actions and criminal prosecutions for the sexual assault and rape of a child

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Natalie Blais and 1 co-sponsor

Extends statute of limitations for civil and criminal child sexual abuse cases in Massachusetts, allowing more survivors additional time to pursue legal action.

Hearing scheduled for 06/17/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
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Bill Summary · H 1732

Legislative bill overview

H 1732 amends Massachusetts law to extend the statute of limitations for both civil lawsuits and criminal prosecutions related to child sexual assault and rape. The bill aims to give survivors more time to bring cases forward, recognizing that many victims delay reporting due to trauma, shame, or memory suppression.

Why is this important

Child sexual abuse survivors often take years or decades to come forward due to psychological barriers and the complexities of trauma. Current statutes of limitations may bar valid claims before survivors are ready to pursue them, allowing perpetrators to escape accountability. Extending these timeframes could increase justice access for adult survivors while maintaining the ability to prosecute serious crimes.

Potential points of contention

  • Defendants' rights concern: Extended statutes of limitations may disadvantage defendants by allowing prosecutions based on decades-old evidence, witness memories, and testimony that become degraded over time, raising due process questions.
  • Civil liability exposure: Extending civil statute limits could create significant financial exposure for institutions and individuals, potentially affecting insurance, settlements, and organizational viability long after incidents.
  • Retroactivity questions: If applied retroactively to past conduct, the law could reopen cases previously closed or settled, creating legal uncertainty and potential conflicts with prior judgments.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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