Bill > SB728

This bill expands legal protections for vulnerable persons by modifying the definition of "vulnerable person" to include individuals under 18 years of age and adjusting the statute of limitations for civil actions related to abuse. Specifically, the bill amends Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) to add minors to the existing categories of vulnerable persons, which previously included elderly individuals, financially incapable persons, incapacitated persons, and persons with disabilities. The legislation allows vulnerable persons who have suffered physical or financial abuse to bring civil actions against perpetrators, with potential damages including three times economic and noneconomic damages, attorney fees, and guardian fees. The bill also introduces a provision that references ORS 12.117, which likely relates to the statute of limitations for child abuse cases, ensuring that individuals under 18 have an extended timeframe to pursue legal action. The amendments apply to abuse that occurs before, on, or after the effective date of the act, but do not revive causes of action that were already legally barred prior to the law's implementation. This bill aims to provide broader legal recourse and protection for vulnerable individuals, particularly minors who have experienced abuse.

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https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB728