Bill > HB0973

This bill extends the statute of limitations for criminal prosecution and civil actions related to child sexual abuse in Tennessee. For criminal prosecutions, the bill changes the time frame for bringing charges from 25 years after the victim turns 18 to 30 years after the victim turns 18, but only for offenses occurring on or after July 1, 2025. The bill requires that for prosecutions beyond 25 years (for offenses between 2019-2025) or 30 years (for offenses after 2025), prosecutors must provide admissible and credible corroborating evidence of the allegations or similar acts by the defendant. For civil actions, the bill similarly extends the statute of limitations from 15 years to 30 years after the victim turns 18, with an additional provision allowing a three-year window for discovery if the injury or illness was not initially recognized at the time of abuse. The changes apply to offenses committed on or after July 1, 2019, with some exceptions for cases where the previous time limitations had already expired. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, giving legal systems time to prepare for the new guidelines.

Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0973&ga=114