Bill > HB120

This bill, known as the Hidden Predators Act, extends and revives statutes of limitations for civil claims related to child sexual abuse, recognizing that survivors often delay reporting due to trauma. It amends existing law to allow individuals to bring civil actions for injuries arising from sex offenses against individuals under 19 years of age, providing a longer period to file claims, particularly when the injury stems from sexual abuse. Specifically, it allows claims to be brought within 20 years after the termination of a disability (like being a minor or of unsound mind) or two years after the perpetrator's criminal conviction, whichever is greater, and applies this to claims against the alleged perpetrator or organizations that negligently failed to protect children. The bill also revives certain previously time-barred civil claims, allowing them to be filed until January 1, 2029, or two years after a criminal conviction, whichever is later, and clarifies that certain legal barriers like notice-of-claim requirements and various forms of immunity (sovereign, governmental, qualified, and those protecting charitable or religious organizations) will not prevent these claims from being heard. The bill's effective dates are staggered, with some provisions taking effect on October 1, 2026, and others on January 1, 2027, contingent on a constitutional amendment.

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