Bill > HB659

This bill amends Ohio law to expand the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits related to childhood sexual abuse and introduces new provisions for "student sexual abuse." Specifically, it modifies Section 2305.111 of the Revised Code to define "student sexual abuse" as certain sexual offenses committed against individuals between the ages of 17 and 24 who were students at the time of the abuse, allowing such claims to be brought until the victim reaches 55 years of age, or within five years of discovering fraudulently concealed facts or a DNA match. It also extends the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims to 37 years after the cause of action accrues, or within five years of discovering fraudulently concealed facts or a DNA match, and clarifies that these extended timeframes apply to claims against perpetrators or entities that negligently facilitated the abuse. Furthermore, the bill amends Section 2315.18 to remove limitations on compensatory damages for noneconomic loss (non-pecuniary harm like pain and suffering) in cases of childhood sexual abuse and student sexual abuse, meaning victims in these specific situations can recover the full extent of their noneconomic damages without the previous caps. The bill also includes provisions to ensure these changes remain in effect even after a scheduled update to Section 2305.111 on October 12, 2028.

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https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb659