Bill
Bill > HB538
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
03/14/2026
03/14/2026
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Statute of limitations; sexual abuse of a minor; act by a person of authority. Provides that an action for an injury to a person resulting from sexual abuse occurring during the infancy of such person by a person of authority may be brought at any time without limitation.
AI Summary
This bill amends Virginia law to remove the time limit for bringing legal action for injuries resulting from sexual abuse that occurred during a person's childhood, when the abuser was a "person of authority." A "person of authority" is defined as someone in a position of trust who has influence over the victim's life, such as a teacher, coach, or religious leader. Previously, there were specific timeframes, or statutes of limitations, for filing such lawsuits, but this change means victims can now sue their abusers regardless of how much time has passed since the abuse occurred, providing a crucial avenue for justice for survivors of childhood sexual abuse by those in positions of power.
Committee Categories
Education, Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Left in Committee Courts of Justice (on 02/18/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB538 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB538) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1092539.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB538/text/HB538 |
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