Bill > HB114

This bill modifies Missouri's law regarding civil actions for childhood sexual abuse by expanding the definition of childhood sexual abuse and extending the statute of limitations for filing such actions. The bill broadens the list of specific criminal sexual offenses that can be grounds for a civil lawsuit, adding several new sections of Missouri law such as those related to sexual trafficking and sexual misconduct. Currently, victims have ten years after turning 21 to file a lawsuit, but this bill would extend that period to twenty years after turning 21. Additionally, victims would have three years from the date they discover (or reasonably should have discovered) that their injury was caused by childhood sexual abuse to file a lawsuit, whichever occurs later. The bill defines "injury" or "illness" as including both physical and psychological harm, and notably, it allows psychological injuries to be pursued even without accompanying physical injuries. The changes would apply to actions commenced on or after August 28, 2025, potentially allowing some previously time-barred cases to be brought forward.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB114&year=2025&code=R