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SD 982

An Act extending the statute of limitations for certain actions involving international human rights abuses

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mark Montigny

Massachusetts extends civil lawsuit deadline for international human rights abuse victims, enabling delayed justice claims for torture and crimes against humanity.

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Bill Summary · SD 982

Legislative bill overview

SD 982 extends the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits involving international human rights abuses, allowing victims more time to file claims in Massachusetts courts. The bill targets cases involving torture, extrajudicial killing, crimes against humanity, and similar violations under international law. This would enable survivors and their representatives to pursue justice years or decades after abuses occur.

Why is this important

Many human rights abuse victims—including refugees and asylum seekers—flee their countries and only reach safety long after violations occurred, making traditional time limits impractical. Extended statutes of limitations align Massachusetts with international human rights standards and provide practical access to justice for survivors. This also potentially allows Massachusetts courts to hold perpetrators and complicit entities accountable regardless of when abuses took place.

Potential points of contention

  • Evidentiary challenges: Extended timelines may complicate cases due to faded memories, lost documents, and difficulty locating witnesses after decades
  • Jurisdiction and enforcement: Questions about whether Massachusetts courts can effectively adjudicate foreign events and enforce judgments against international actors or foreign governments
  • Fiscal impact on defendants: Businesses and individuals could face liability exposure for decades-old conduct, potentially affecting insurance and operational costs
  • Retroactive application: Unclear whether the extended timeline applies to past conduct, raising due process concerns for defendants who believed claims were time-barred

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

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