Bill > HB1020

This bill amends Virginia law to change when a lawsuit can be filed for personal injury resulting from sexual abuse that occurred when the victim was a child (infancy) or was otherwise unable to legally consent (incapacity). Previously, such lawsuits could be filed when the disability of infancy or incapacity was removed, or when the victim learned of the injury and its connection to the abuse from a medical professional. This bill adds a third trigger: the lawsuit can now also be filed when "corroborative evidence" is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered through due diligence. Corroborative evidence is defined broadly to include physical evidence, witness statements about the abuse or similar acts by the abuser, or a confession or admission from the abuser. The bill also clarifies the definition of "sexual abuse" and specifies that lawsuits against entities based on this new discovery provision can only be for abuse occurring on or after July 1, 2026.