Bill > HB1301

This bill provides a temporary legal window for individuals who experienced sexual assault after turning 18 to file civil lawsuits, even if the standard statute of limitations has already expired. Specifically, the bill allows survivors of sexual assault to bring civil actions between six months and two years after July 1, 2025, for incidents that would have been previously time-barred. The bill defines sexual assault broadly to include specific criminal offenses such as rape, sexual battery, and incest, as outlined in Tennessee state law. Importantly, the bill stipulates that if a previous lawsuit was dismissed solely because it was filed too late, that dismissal will not prevent the survivor from filing a new action during this revival period. This legislation aims to provide additional legal recourse for survivors of sexual assault by temporarily extending the statute of limitations, recognizing that many survivors may not be emotionally or practically prepared to pursue legal action immediately after an assault. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving survivors a new opportunity to seek civil remedies for past sexual assaults.

Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1301&ga=114