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SB 44

Child sexual abuse; statute of limitations extended and further provided for, certain time-barred civil claims revived

2026 Regular Session

SB 44 extends Alabama's statute of limitations for child sexual abuse lawsuits and allows previously time-barred civil claims to be revived, giving survivors broader access to judicial remedies.

Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary
#civilprocedure
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Bill Summary · SB 44

Legislative bill overview

SB 44 extends Alabama's statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases and creates a mechanism to revive certain civil claims that were previously time-barred. The bill allows survivors to pursue legal action within a longer timeframe and gives those whose claims expired under previous law an opportunity to refile them.

Why is this important

Child sexual abuse survivors often don't disclose or pursue legal action until adulthood due to trauma, psychological effects, and fear. Extending the statute of limitations acknowledges this reality and provides meaningful access to justice. Reviving time-barred claims addresses the inequity faced by survivors whose legal windows closed before they were ready or able to come forward.

Potential points of contention

  • Defendant protections vs. survivor rights: Defendants may argue that extended timeframes create unfair disadvantages by allowing prosecution of decades-old allegations when evidence and witnesses may be unavailable or memories faded
  • Scope of revived claims: Questions about which claims qualify for revival, how far back the revival extends, and whether it applies retroactively could create legal complexity and litigation
  • Institutional liability: Organizations and institutions may face significant exposure to reopened lawsuits, potentially affecting schools, religious organizations, and other entities named in revived claims

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

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