Bill > HB2320

This bill modifies Missouri state law regarding time limitations for sexual offenses involving minors, specifically expanding the statute of limitations for both civil and criminal cases. In civil actions, the bill removes the previous ten-year time limit for plaintiffs to file childhood sexual abuse claims, instead allowing victims to file lawsuits at any time, regardless of when the abuse occurred. For criminal prosecutions, the bill eliminates time restrictions for sexual offenses involving victims who were eighteen years old or younger, meaning prosecutors can bring charges at any point in the future. The bill also declares that nondisclosure agreements related to childhood sexual abuse claims are not legally enforceable and are considered void. "Sexual offenses" are broadly defined to include crimes outlined in Chapter 566 of Missouri law and offenses requiring sex offender registration. These changes are set to take effect on August 28, 2026, and aim to provide more legal recourse and protection for victims of sexual abuse who may have been previously constrained by restrictive time limitations.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2320&year=2026&code=R