Bill > HB462

This bill modifies Pennsylvania law regarding statutes of limitations for civil actions involving sexual abuse, providing expanded legal opportunities for survivors to seek damages. Specifically, the bill allows individuals who were sexually abused as minors to file civil lawsuits until they reach 37 years old, and those between 18 and 24 years old can file until they turn 30, regardless of whether a criminal complaint was previously filed. The bill creates a temporary two-year window for individuals to revive previously expired sexual abuse claims, effectively reopening legal pathways for survivors whose original time to sue had elapsed. Additionally, the bill expands exceptions to sovereign and governmental immunity, allowing civil actions against government entities for sexual abuse cases where negligence can be proven, and these provisions apply both retroactively and prospectively. The bill defines sexual abuse broadly, including various forms of sexual activities involving individuals 23 years old or younger and an adult, where the abuse occurred through forcible compulsion. Notably, the bill includes a provision stating that if any part of the act is found invalid, the entire act becomes void, and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court is granted extraordinary jurisdiction to hear constitutional challenges to the legislation.