Bill > SB589

This bill modifies Missouri's legal provisions regarding civil actions for childhood sexual abuse by expanding the statute of limitations for such cases. Currently, victims had to file a lawsuit within ten years of turning 21 or within three years of discovering their injury, but the new bill allows victims to file a lawsuit at any time, regardless of when the abuse occurred. The bill broadens the definition of childhood sexual abuse to include not just direct acts committed by a defendant, but also acts that the defendant's tortious conduct causes to occur. The legislation covers a wide range of specific sexual abuse and related criminal statutes, including sections dealing with sexual offenses against minors. Importantly, the bill will apply retroactively to actions commenced on or after August 28, 2025, meaning it could revive previously time-barred claims. The definition of injury is also expansive, recognizing both physical and psychological harm, with the latter not requiring accompanying physical injury. This change aims to provide more opportunities for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to seek legal recourse and accountability.

Justice

https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=2723141