HB 18 Summary

• Repeals the statute of limitations for civil actions by survivors of childhood sexual abuse, allowing lawsuits to be filed at any time regardless of when the abuse occurred.

• Removes the previous eight-year deadline after a survivor's eighteenth birthday and the three-year discovery rule for psychological injuries caused by childhood sexual abuse.

• Allows civil claims against individuals who committed sexual abuse and against legal entities (institutions, agencies, corporations) that employed the abuser or had responsibility or control over the activity where abuse occurred.

• Requires a finding of gross negligence to award damages against a legal entity defendant.

• Takes effect upon approval.