Bill > HB108

This bill amends Alabama law to extend the statute of limitations for civil actions involving certain sex offenses, specifically those described in Section 15-20A-5. Previously, individuals under 19 years of age or of unsound mind had a limited time after their disability ended to file a lawsuit. This bill now grants them six years after the termination of their disability to commence such an action. Furthermore, for actions against the actual perpetrator of a sex offense, the bill establishes a significantly longer window: either 20 years after the termination of the disability or two years after the perpetrator's criminal conviction or guilty plea, whichever is greater. This extended period for suing the perpetrator will be paused, or "tolled," during any criminal prosecution of the offense, starting from the date of indictment, presentment, or information, and can be applied regardless of the plaintiff's age when the civil action is filed. Importantly, this extended provision only applies to actions directly against the alleged perpetrator and not to other parties who might be held responsible through other legal doctrines. The bill also clarifies that if multiple disabilities exist simultaneously, the statute of limitations only begins to run after all disabilities are removed, and a disability that arises after the claim accrues does not suspend the limitation period unless explicitly stated. This act is set to become effective on October 1, 2026.

Justice

https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search