Bill > H1829

This bill eliminates the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits involving child sexual abuse in Massachusetts. Specifically, the legislation allows victims to file tort (civil lawsuit) actions alleging sexual abuse of a minor at any time, regardless of when the abuse occurred or when the victim becomes aware of the harm. The bill modifies existing law to remove time restrictions on two types of claims: direct sexual abuse claims and claims against entities that negligently supervised someone who committed sexual abuse. Under the new law, victims can sue both the perpetrator of sexual abuse and institutions or organizations that may have enabled or failed to prevent the abuse. For lawsuits involving claims that would have been previously time-barred, damages can only be awarded against an employing or supervising entity if the court finds that the entity was negligent in its oversight. This approach aims to provide survivors of childhood sexual abuse with more opportunities to seek legal recourse and potential compensation, acknowledging that many victims may not be able to come forward immediately after experiencing abuse.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1829