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HB 5074

Relating to certain actions for personal injury that arise out of a sexual offense against a child or disabled individual and are brought against a non-perpetrator of the offense.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Richard Hayes

HB 5074 expands civil liability for non-perpetrators in child and disabled individual sexual abuse cases, enabling victims to sue institutions or individuals who failed to prevent harm.

Referred to Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
#civilremedies&liabilities(i0065) #crimes--againstpersons--sexual(i0171) #disabilities #personswith(i0380) #minors--crimesagainst(i0532) #sexualabuse(s9791)
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Bill Summary · HB 5074

Legislative bill overview

HB 5074 addresses civil liability for non-perpetrators in cases involving sexual offenses against children or disabled individuals. The bill would establish or modify legal standards allowing victims to pursue personal injury lawsuits against entities or individuals who did not directly commit the abuse but may bear responsibility through negligence, failure to protect, or institutional liability.

Why is this important

Sexual abuse of vulnerable populations (children and disabled individuals) often involves failures by institutions, supervisors, or third parties to prevent harm. This bill could expand accountability mechanisms beyond the perpetrator, potentially creating financial incentives for organizations to improve safety practices and supervision. However, it also raises questions about how liability is distributed and what standards apply to non-perpetrators.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of liability: Determining which non-perpetrators can be held responsible—supervisors, institutions, property owners, or others—and what level of negligence triggers liability
  • Statute of limitations: Whether the bill extends filing deadlines for historical abuse cases, which could expose entities to decades-old claims
  • Caps on damages: Whether liability limits exist and how they balance victim compensation against potentially crippling institutional liability
  • Standard of proof: What knowledge or negligence a non-perpetrator must have demonstrated to be held accountable

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

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