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Bill Summary · HB 613

Summary of HB 613 - The Light of Justice Act

Bill Number: HB 613
Introduced On: April 24, 2025
Status: Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Judiciary
Classification: Bill
Subject: Civil Procedure

Purpose and Intent

HB 613, titled The Light of Justice Act, aims to address the issue of child sexual abuse by reviving certain time-barred civil claims. The bill seeks to provide survivors of sexual offenses committed against minors with an extended opportunity to seek justice and compensation for their experiences.

Key Provisions

  1. Revival of Time-Barred Claims:

    • The bill allows civil claims for damages resulting from sexual offenses against individuals under the age of 19 to be revived for a period of 10 years from the effective date of the act.
    • This applies to claims that were previously barred due to the existing six-year statute of limitations.

  2. Claims Against Individuals and Entities:

    • Survivors can bring claims against:
      • The individual alleged to have committed the sexual offense.
      • Any organization or entity that had a duty to protect the minor and failed to act, including religious institutions, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and youth organizations.

  3. Public Awareness Campaign:

    • The Attorney General is mandated to develop and implement a public awareness campaign to inform survivors about their rights under this act, including the revived time period for filing claims and available resources.

  4. Protection Against Discrimination:

    • The bill prohibits retaliation or discrimination against individuals who file claims under this act, ensuring that survivors can pursue justice without fear of negative repercussions from employers or institutions.

  5. Contingency Clause:

    • The effectiveness of the act is contingent upon the ratification of a constitutional amendment proposed in the 2025 Regular Session, which would authorize the Legislature to revive time-barred rights and remedies related to child sexual abuse.

Impact

  • Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse: The bill directly benefits survivors by providing them with a renewed opportunity to seek justice for past offenses that may have previously been barred due to the statute of limitations.
  • Organizations and Institutions: Entities that have a responsibility for the welfare of minors may face increased legal scrutiny and potential liability if they failed to protect minors from sexual abuse.
  • Public Awareness: The campaign led by the Attorney General aims to empower survivors with knowledge about their rights and available resources, potentially leading to increased reporting and claims.

Procedural Aspects

  • Effective Date: The act is set to become effective on January 1, 2027, contingent upon the ratification of the necessary constitutional amendment.
  • Legislative Actions: As of April 24, 2025, the bill is pending committee action in the House of Origin (Judiciary).

This summary provides an overview of HB 613, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impact on survivors of child sexual abuse and related entities.

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

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