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HB 1378

Civil Actions - Child Sexual Abuse

2025 Regular Session Introduced by C.T. Wilson

Maryland law expands civil remedies for child sexual abuse survivors by modifying filing deadlines, allowing more historical abuse cases to proceed through courts.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 104
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Bill Summary · HB 1378

Legislative bill overview

HB 1378 modifies Maryland's civil litigation framework for child sexual abuse cases. The bill, now law (Chapter 104), adjusts procedural rules, statutes of limitations, or evidentiary standards governing how survivors can pursue civil claims against perpetrators and potentially liable institutions.

Why is this important

Child sexual abuse survivors often face significant barriers to justice due to long delays in disclosure, trauma-related memory issues, and expired statutes of limitations. This legislation removes or reduces those legal obstacles, enabling more survivors to seek compensation and hold accountable both abusers and organizations that failed to prevent abuse.

Potential points of contention

  • Institutional liability concerns: Expanded civil liability for organizations (schools, churches, nonprofits) may increase insurance costs and organizational risk, raising questions about fairness to institutions without direct responsibility
  • Statute of limitations expansion: Retroactively allowing claims for decades-old abuse could expose defendants (including institutions) to prosecution long after evidence becomes degraded or witnesses unavailable
  • Defendants' due process rights: Extending claim windows may disadvantage defendants in defending against old allegations, particularly when witnesses have died or memories have faded

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

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