WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 179

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

89th Legislature (2025)

HB 179 eliminates time limits for civil suits against perpetrators of child abuse and sexual offenses, allowing adult survivors to sue decades after harm occurred.

Referred to Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
#civilremedies&liabilities(i0065) #crimes--againstpersons--sexual(i0171) #minors--crimesagainst(i0532) #statutesoflimitations(s0065)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 179

Legislative bill overview

HB 179 would eliminate or extend the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits arising from certain offenses against children in Texas. This means victims of child abuse, sexual assault, or other specified crimes would have unlimited or greatly extended time periods to file civil claims against perpetrators and potentially liable parties, removing current legal deadlines that bar such suits.

Why is this important

Current statutes of limitations restrict when victims can sue for damages, often cutting off legal recourse years after harm occurs. This bill would allow adult survivors of childhood offenses to pursue civil remedies decades later, potentially enabling justice for victims who were previously time-barred from suing. It reflects a national trend recognizing that trauma survivors often need years before disclosing abuse and seeking legal remedies.

Potential points of contention

  • Defendant fairness concerns: Removing time limits creates challenges for defendants to locate witnesses, preserve evidence, and mount adequate defenses after many years have passed
  • Institutional liability exposure: Schools, organizations, and institutions could face substantial retroactive liability for decades-old incidents, potentially affecting insurance costs and operations
  • Evidentiary problems: Cases become harder to prove fairly when memories fade, witnesses die or disappear, and physical evidence degrades over extended periods

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

Sign in to ask a question.