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Bill

HJR 120

Proposing a constitutional amendment protecting children by allowing for retroactive laws regarding civil causes of action arising out of child sexual abuse.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Morgan Meyer

Texas constitutional amendment would permit retroactive civil lawsuits for child sexual abuse, removing statute of limitations barriers for adult survivors seeking compensation.

Referred to Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
#childabuse(s4256) #civilremedies&liabilities(i0065) #crimes--againstpersons--sexual(i0171) #minors--crimesagainst(i0532) #resolutions--constitutionalamendments(i0661) #sexualabuse(s9791)
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Bill Summary · HJR 120

Legislative bill overview

HJR 120 proposes a constitutional amendment to Texas's constitution that would allow the state legislature to pass retroactive laws extending the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits related to child sexual abuse. Normally, retroactive laws are constitutionally restricted, but this amendment would carve out an exception specifically for abuse cases. The amendment would need voter approval to take effect.

Why is this important

This addresses a real barrier facing abuse survivors: many have discovered trauma years or decades after it occurred, only to find the legal deadline for filing civil suits has passed. Retroactive extension of filing deadlines could allow survivors previously barred by time limits to pursue compensation from perpetrators and institutions. This intersects with ongoing national conversations about institutional accountability in cases like clergy abuse and school misconduct.

Potential points of contention

  • Due process concerns: Defendants (including organizations and institutions) could face lawsuits decades after alleged incidents when evidence is difficult to locate and witnesses unavailable, raising fairness questions
  • Institutional liability exposure: Schools, churches, youth organizations, and other entities could face significant financial exposure from old claims, potentially affecting operations and insurance costs
  • Balancing survivor rights with legal finality: Tension between providing justice for survivors and the legal principle that cases should eventually reach finality so parties can move forward

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

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