HB 2177 Summary

• Extends the statute of limitations for civil actions arising from childhood sexual abuse from 8 years after the victim's 18th birthday to 50 years after the victim's 18th birthday.

• Allows civil cases involving sexual abuse of minors to include punitive damages in monetary relief.

• Permits courts to order restorative justice measures such as victim impact panels, victim impact classes, or community service at the victim's request.

• Maintains the certificate of merit requirement, which requires a notarized statement from a licensed psychologist, marriage and family therapist, mental health counselor, or clinical social worker confirming a reasonable basis for the claim.

• Preserves the ability for defendants to recover attorney's fees if the court independently finds a false accusation was made with no factual basis and malicious intent.