Bill > SB1626

This bill amends the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure to expand the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse survivors, allowing them to file personal injury lawsuits at any time, regardless of when the abuse occurred. The bill defines "childhood sexual abuse" as sexual abuse that happens when the victim is under 18 years old, which includes sexual conduct and sexual penetration as defined in the Criminal Code. Previously, survivors had limited time frames to file lawsuits, typically within 20 years of discovering the abuse or turning 18. The new legislation removes these time restrictions, effectively giving survivors an unlimited window to seek legal recourse against their abusers. The bill applies to both ongoing and future legal actions, ensuring that survivors who may have been previously time-barred can now pursue justice. This change acknowledges the complex psychological impacts of childhood sexual abuse, recognizing that survivors may need significant time to process their trauma and come forward with legal claims.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1626&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104