Bill
S 6978
Bill S 6978 allows survivors of child sexual assault to file civil lawsuits at any time, removing the statute of limitations and empowering them to seek justice.
Bill Number: S 6978
Title: Removes statute of limitations for certain civil actions related to child sexual assault offenses
Status: Referred to Codes
Introduced: March 27, 2025
Classification: Bill
Bill S 6978 aims to eliminate the statute of limitations for civil actions concerning child sexual assault offenses. The primary intent of this legislation is to provide survivors of child sexual abuse with the opportunity to seek justice and compensation, regardless of how much time has passed since the offense occurred. This bill recognizes the long-lasting impact of such trauma and aims to empower victims to come forward without the constraints of time limitations.
Removal of Statute of Limitations: The bill proposes to abolish the existing statute of limitations for civil claims related to child sexual assault. This means that survivors can file lawsuits at any time, regardless of when the abuse occurred.
Scope of Application: The legislation specifically targets civil actions, allowing victims to pursue damages against perpetrators and potentially against institutions that may have failed to protect them or that may have covered up the abuse.
Survivors of Child Sexual Assault: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are individuals who have experienced child sexual abuse. By removing the statute of limitations, they would have the opportunity to seek legal recourse and compensation for their suffering.
Perpetrators and Institutions: Individuals and organizations that have been involved in child sexual assault cases may face increased legal exposure as survivors can bring forth claims regardless of when the abuse occurred.
Current Status: As of March 27, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Codes Committee for further consideration. This is an initial step in the legislative process, where the bill will be reviewed, and potential amendments may be proposed.
Related Legislation: Bill S 6978 is related to several prior-session bills, including:
Bill S 6978 represents a significant shift in the legal landscape for survivors of child sexual assault by removing the barriers imposed by statutes of limitations. If enacted, it could lead to more survivors coming forward to seek justice and accountability for past abuses. The bill is currently under review by the Codes Committee, and its progress will be closely monitored by advocates and stakeholders in the field of child protection and survivors' rights.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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