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HB 973

Statutes of Limitations and Repose - As enacted, extends the statute of limitations for criminal prosecution of certain child sexual abuse felonies from 25 years from the child's eighteenth birthday to 30 years from the child's eighteenth birthday; extends the statute of limitations for a civil action based on child sexual abuse from 15 years from the child's eighteenth birthday to 30 years from the child's eighteenth birthday. - Amends TCA Title 28 and Title 40, Chapter 2.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Jake McCalmon

Tennessee extends criminal and civil statute of limitations for child sexual abuse from 25/15 years to 30 years from victim's eighteenth birthday.

Pub. Ch. 291
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Bill Summary · HB 973

Legislative bill overview

HB 973 extends Tennessee's statute of limitations for prosecuting child sexual abuse crimes from 25 years to 30 years after the victim turns 18, and extends the civil statute of limitations from 15 years to 30 years. The bill applies to criminal felonies and civil lawsuits involving child sexual abuse under Tennessee Code Annotated Titles 28 and 40.

Why is this important

Child sexual abuse survivors often delay reporting due to trauma, shame, and psychological barriers, meaning many cases surface years or decades later. This extension provides additional time for victims to pursue both criminal justice and civil compensation, addressing a real gap where previously valid claims would expire before victims came forward. The measure affects active cases and those filed going forward, with an effective date of July 1, 2025.

Potential points of contention

  • Defense challenges: Extended timelines may complicate criminal defense when witnesses have died, memories fade, or evidence degrades over 30 years, raising fairness concerns for defendants
  • Retroactive application: If applied to cases already filed, this could reopen legal disputes previously considered closed and create unpredictability for defendants and institutions
  • Institutional liability: Organizations (schools, churches, youth groups) face expanded civil exposure decades after incidents, potentially affecting insurance costs and institutional solvency

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

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