CA SB558

Establishes time frame for commencing civil actions for childhood sexual assault damages: within 22 years of reaching age of majority or within 5 years of discovering the psychological injury was caused by the assault, whichever is later, but only for assaults occurring before January 1, 2024.

Expands definition of childhood sexual assault to include acts involving a child being depicted in obscene matter (under Penal Code Sections 311.1 or 311.2), with a 10-year discovery period from discovering the obscene matter instead of 5 years.

Allows recovery of up to treble damages against defendants found to have covered up the sexual assault of a minor, defined as a concerted effort to hide evidence relating to childhood sexual assault.

Requires plaintiffs age 40 or older to file certificates of merit from their attorney and a licensed mental health practitioner confirming reasonable cause for the action before service on defendants can occur.

Revives claims for childhood sexual assault damages that would have been barred before January 1, 2020, allowing them to be commenced within three years of January 1, 2020, and exempts such claims from government claim presentation requirements.