Bill > SB1140

This bill modifies Missouri law regarding civil actions for childhood sexual abuse by expanding the statute of limitations and adding new provisions. Specifically, the bill allows victims to file civil lawsuits for childhood sexual abuse at any time, removing previous time restrictions that limited claims to within ten years of the plaintiff turning 21 or within three years of discovering the abuse. The bill also broadens the definition of childhood sexual abuse to include not just direct perpetrators, but also defendants whose tortious conduct causes abuse to occur. Additionally, the bill invalidates non-disclosure agreements related to childhood sexual abuse, making such agreements legally unenforceable. The changes would apply to actions arising on or after August 28, 2025, and cover a wide range of specific sexual abuse and assault crimes defined in Missouri statutes. The bill aims to provide more legal recourse and protection for victims of childhood sexual abuse by removing temporal barriers to seeking justice and preventing the use of non-disclosure agreements to silence victims.

Justice

https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=295