Bill > S313

This bill aims to support survivors of child sexual abuse in the following ways: 1. It expands the statute of limitations for civil actions related to the sexual abuse of a minor, allowing such cases to be filed even if the abuse occurred many years ago. 2. It exempts claims by or on behalf of a person who alleges they were sexually abused as a child from certain limitations on claims against the state. 3. It allows for "good cause" exceptions to the time limit for filing a claim for victim compensation if a mental health professional can provide an opinion that the victim did not make the connection between the abuse and the harm suffered until a later date, which is common for victims of childhood sexual abuse. 4. It establishes that the three-year statute of limitations for victim compensation claims related to childhood sexual abuse starts when the victim first makes the connection between the abuse and the harm suffered, as determined by a mental health professional. The overall goal of the bill is to provide more legal recourse and support for survivors of child sexual abuse, recognizing the unique psychological and emotional challenges they often face in coming to terms with their trauma.

Education, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S313