Bill > HR7467

This bill, titled "Virginia's Law," proposes to create new avenues for victims of certain crimes to seek justice in civil court and to remove time limits for filing some of these lawsuits. Specifically, it allows individuals who are victims of sexual abuse under Chapter 109A of title 18, United States Code, or victims of transportation for illegal sexual activity and related crimes under Chapter 117 of title 18, to file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator or anyone who knowingly benefited financially from these crimes, and to recover damages and attorney fees. These civil actions would be paused during any related criminal proceedings. While most new civil claims under these chapters would have a 10-year statute of limitations (or 10 years after the victim turns 18 if they were a minor), this bill eliminates any time limit for filing lawsuits related to specific severe offenses within these chapters, such as certain types of sexual assault and trafficking. Additionally, the bill amends existing law concerning human trafficking (Section 1595 of title 18) to also remove the statute of limitations for certain trafficking-related offenses, allowing victims to file lawsuits regardless of how much time has passed since the crime occurred. The bill also includes provisions for how these changes apply to existing and future claims, including a one-year period after enactment for certain previously barred claims to be filed.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7467/all-info