Bill > HB73

This bill amends New Mexico law to significantly expand the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse civil lawsuits. Currently, victims were restricted to filing claims before their 24th birthday or within three years of first disclosing abuse to a healthcare provider. The new legislation removes those time limitations, allowing survivors to file civil lawsuits at any point in their lives, regardless of when the abuse occurred. The bill defines childhood sexual abuse as conduct that would constitute criminal sexual penetration or contact of a minor, or actions under the Sexual Exploitation of Children Act. Importantly, the bill is explicitly retroactive, meaning it applies to all past cases of childhood sexual abuse, even if previous statutes of limitations had already expired. This change gives survivors of childhood sexual abuse much more flexibility and time to seek legal recourse, acknowledging that many victims may need significant time to process their trauma and feel prepared to pursue legal action against their abusers.

Business and Industry, Justice

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=73&year=25