Bill > A08635

This bill amends the Court of Claims Act to create exceptions to the standard requirement for specificity in legal claims involving sexual offenses. Specifically, the bill allows more flexible pleading standards for claims involving sexual offenses committed against children and adults. For claims involving children, the new provisions cover sexual offenses as defined in the penal law, including incest and the use of a child in a sexual performance. For claims involving adults, the bill allows less restrictive pleading requirements for sexual offenses committed against individuals 18 years or older. The bill is retroactive, applying to both new claims and claims that were previously dismissed for lack of specificity, provided those dismissals are still subject to appeal. By reducing the technical barriers to filing such claims, the bill aims to make it easier for survivors of sexual offenses to seek legal recourse, recognizing the unique challenges and sensitivities surrounding these types of cases.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8635