Bill > HB0117

This bill addresses civil statutes of limitations for sexual abuse cases, introducing significant changes to how and when victims can file lawsuits. The bill defines "sexual abuse" comprehensively, covering various criminal sexual offenses against individuals, particularly children. Under the new law, victims can bring civil actions at any time against perpetrators of sexual abuse or those criminally responsible for such abuse. For cases involving negligent sexual abuse, victims have four years from either turning 18 or discovering the abuse to file a lawsuit. The bill clarifies that a victim can bring an action regardless of whether criminal charges have been filed or the perpetrator has been convicted. The legislation also specifies that if multiple acts of sexual abuse are alleged, the discovery date is computed from the last alleged act. Importantly, the bill extends the statute of limitations for actions not already time-barred as of May 7, 2025, but does not revive claims that were already time-barred before that date. Additionally, the bill makes minor modifications to definitions related to sex offender registries and sexual abuse in other sections of Utah law. The changes aim to provide broader legal recourse for victims of sexual abuse, particularly those who may have been abused as children and need more time to process and pursue legal action.

Justice

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0117.html