Bill > H4199

This bill significantly expands legal protections and opportunities for victims of childhood sexual abuse in Massachusetts by removing existing time limitations for filing civil lawsuits. Specifically, the bill allows victims to file civil actions alleging sexual abuse of a minor at any time, regardless of when the abuse occurred, and creates a two-year window for reviving previously time-barred legal claims related to child sexual abuse. The legislation applies to both individual and institutional defendants, including public, private, and charitable organizations, and eliminates certain legal immunities and damage limitations that previously restricted such claims. The bill covers a wide range of potential legal actions, including those involving direct sexual abuse, negligent supervision, and claims of institutional responsibility for abuse. By removing statutes of limitations and other legal barriers, the bill aims to provide survivors of childhood sexual abuse with greater access to justice and the ability to seek legal recourse, even for incidents that occurred many years in the past. The act takes effect immediately upon passage, signaling the legislature's urgent intent to support victims and hold perpetrators and institutions accountable.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4199