VA HB1020

Amends Virginia Code § 8.01-249 to add a third trigger for when a cause of action accrues in sexual abuse cases involving victims who were minors or incapacitated: when corroborative evidence is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered through due diligence

Defines "corroborative evidence" as independent evidence supporting an essential allegation, including physical evidence, biological samples, scientifically reliable test results, records, photographs, witness statements about similar acts, or confessions/admissions by the accused

Maintains existing accrual triggers: removal of disability of infancy or incapacity, or when a licensed physician, psychologist, or clinical psychologist first communicates the injury and its causal connection to the abuse

Limits the new corroborative evidence provision for actions against entities (as opposed to individuals) to causes of action occurring on or after July 1, 2026

Sexual abuse is defined by reference to existing Virginia statutes covering rape, sodomy, object sexual penetration, and sexual battery