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HB 4785

Relating to elimination of limitations periods for suits for personal injury arising from certain offenses against a child or disabled individual.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Nicole Collier and 8 co-sponsors

HB 4785 eliminates time limits for civil suits by children and disabled individuals claiming personal injury from certain offenses, allowing claims regardless of elapsed time.

Referred to Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
#cindyclemishireact(px34y) #civilremedies&liabilities(i0065) #crimes--againstpersons--general(i0170) #disabilities #personswith(i0380) #minors--crimesagainst(i0532) #statutesoflimitations(s0065)
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Bill Summary · HB 4785

Legislative bill overview

HB 4785 would eliminate the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits involving personal injury claims arising from certain offenses against children or disabled individuals in Texas. This means victims could file suit at any point in the future, regardless of how much time has passed since the offense occurred, removing current legal deadlines that typically restrict when claims can be brought.

Why is this important

Statutes of limitations exist to balance protecting defendants from stale claims against protecting victims' rights to seek justice. This bill directly impacts both child abuse and disability abuse survivors, many of whom experience delayed disclosure due to trauma, suppressed memories, or dependency on their abusers. The change could significantly expand access to civil remedies but also creates long-term liability exposure for institutions and individuals involved in such cases.

Potential points of contention

  • Institutional liability concerns: Schools, religious organizations, and other institutions may face decades-old claims, potentially creating existential financial liability and making insurance coverage problematic
  • Evidentiary challenges: Removing time limits may allow suits based on evidence that has degraded, witnesses who are unavailable or deceased, and memories that have become unreliable over decades
  • Definition scope: The bill's reference to "certain offenses" requires clarification—which specific offenses qualify, and how broadly will "personal injury" be interpreted beyond physical harm

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

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