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HD 1946

An Act eliminating the statute of limitation in civil child sexual abuse cases

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

Eliminates time limits for civil lawsuits in child sexual abuse cases, allowing survivors to sue perpetrators and institutions at any point regardless of when abuse occurred.

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Bill Summary · HD 1946

Legislative bill overview

HD 1946 removes the time limit within which victims of child sexual abuse can file civil lawsuits against perpetrators and institutions in Massachusetts. Currently, state law restricts when abuse survivors can bring claims; this bill would eliminate that deadline entirely, allowing lawsuits decades after abuse occurred.

Why is this important

Child sexual abuse survivors often delay reporting due to trauma, shame, and psychological barriers to disclosure. Removing the statute of limitations gives adult survivors who spent years processing trauma a legal avenue to seek civil damages and accountability from abusers and negligent institutions. This also increases institutional pressure on schools, organizations, and other entities to maintain safer environments and proper oversight.

Potential points of contention

  • Defendant burden: Eliminating all time limits makes it difficult for defendants (individuals and institutions) to defend against decades-old allegations when witnesses are deceased, memories fade, and evidence deteriorates, potentially allowing claims that cannot be fairly contested.
  • Institutional liability: Organizations may face unexpected bankruptcy from numerous historical claims, which could affect their ability to serve current constituents or survivors seeking restitution.
  • Distinguishing credibility: Without temporal proximity, distinguishing genuine claims from false memories or unreliable recollections becomes harder, raising concerns about due process for the accused.

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

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