2020 SOL TRACKER

National Overview of Statutes of Limitation (SOLs) for Child Sex Abuse

2020 SOL Reform Legislation and Best Current Civil and Criminal SOLs

  & PART I: OVERVIEW OF 2020 SOL REFORM BILLS

A. New SOL Reform Laws Going into Effect in 2020 (8 States)

(1 to eliminate criminal; 4 to extend criminal; 1 to eliminate civil; 1 to extend civil; and 2 for civil window/revival)

B. SOL Reform Bills Passed in Legislature in 2020 (8 States) 

(1 to eliminate criminal; 4 to extend criminal; 1 to eliminate civil; 1 to extend civil; and 2 for civil window/revival)

C. SOL Reform Bills Introduced in Legislature in 2020 (30 States & Federal Government)

(14 to eliminate criminal; 16 to extend criminal; 16 to eliminate civil; 9 to extend civil; and 18 for civil window/revival)

PART II: OVERVIEW OF JURISDICTIONS WITH THE BEST CRIMINAL AND CIVIL SOL LAWS

D. No Criminal SOL (42 States, Federal & D.C.)

E. No Civil SOL (12 States)

F. Revived Expired Civil SOL (18 States, D.C. & Guam)

*For more information visit our Law & Policy page and email info@childusa.org with any questions.

At a Glance:

PART I: OVERVIEW OF 2020 SOL REFORM BILLS

A. SOL Reform Laws Going into Effect in 2020

click here for summary of new sol reform laws in 8 states
Florida Eliminates the criminal SOL for felony sexual battery of victims under age 18. (HB 199) (Governor Signed into Law on June 23, 2020).
Indiana Extends the criminal SOL if expired by 5 years after discovery of DNA, recording or confession evidence. Also permits victims to apply for victim compensation within 5 years of discovery of such evidence. (SB 109) (Governor Signed into Law on March 14, 2020).
Nebraska Adds crimes of sexual assault and sexual contact of a student age 16-18 by a school employee. Extends criminal SOL for failure to report child abuse or neglect to 18 months after the offense or age 19 and half (age 18, plus 1½ years). (LB 881) (Governor Signed into Law on August 7, 2020). 
New Hampshire Eliminates the civil SOL for incest and sexual assault of minors and adults and removes notification requirements for actions against the government. (HB 705) (Governor Signed into Law on July 20, 2020).
New York

Extends the original 1-year Child Victims Act revival window to be open for an additional year, so that the window closes on August 14, 2021 instead 2020. (SB 7082) (Governor Signed into Law on August 3, 2020).

Extends the Child Victim’s Act revival window to be open until January 14, 2021. (Executive Order No. 202.29) (Governor Cuomo Signed on May 8, 2020).

Utah Extends the criminal SOL for felony unlawful sexual activity with a minor and unlawful sexual conduct with a 16 or 17 year old to age 28 (age of majority, 18, plus 10 years). (HB 247) (Governor Signed into Law on March 28, 2020).
Virginia Extends the criminal SOL for misdemeanor sexual abuse of minors by adults more than 3 years older than the victim from age 19 to age 23 (age of majority, 18, plus 5 years). (SB 724 & HB 298) (SB 724 Governor Signed into Law on March 11, 2020) (HB 298 Governor Signed into Law on April 10, 2020).
West Virginia Extends the civil SOL against perpetrators from age 22 to age 36 (age of majority, 18, plus 18 years) or 4 years from discovery, whichever is later and revives claims up to age 36 or 4 years from discovery. Also extends the civil SOL against other individuals or organizations from age 20 to age 36 (age of majority, 18, plus 18 years) and revives claims up to age 36. (HB 4559) (Governor Signed into Law on March 25, 2020).
Total Eight (8) States with SOL Reform Going into Effect

B. SOL Reform Bills Passed in Legislature in 2020

click here for summary of SOL REFORM BILLS in 8 states that PASSED IN LEGISLATURE
Florida Eliminates the criminal SOL for felony sexual battery of victims under age 18. (HB 199) (Governor Signed into Law on June 23, 2020).
Indiana Extends the criminal SOL if expired by 5 years after discovery of DNA, recording or confession evidence. Also permits victims to apply for victim compensation within 5 years of discovery of such evidence. (SB 109) (Governor Signed into Law on March 14, 2020).
Nebraska Adds crimes of sexual assault and sexual contact of a student age 16-18 by a school employee. Extends criminal SOL for failure to report child abuse or neglect to 18 months after the offense or age 19 and half (age 18, plus 1½ years). (LB 881) (Governor Signed into Law on August 7, 2020). 
New Hampshire Eliminates the civil SOL for incest and sexual assault of minors and adults and remove notification requirements for actions against the government. (HB 705) (Governor Signed into Law on July 20, 2020).
New York

Extends the original 1-year Child Victims Act revival window to be open for an additional year, so that the window closes on August 14, 2021 instead 2020. (SB 7082) (Governor Signed into Law on August 3, 2020).

Extends the Child Victim’s Act revival window to be open until January 14, 2021. (Executive Order No. 202.29) (Governor Cuomo Signed on May 8, 2020).

Utah Extends the criminal SOL for felony unlawful sexual activity with a minor and unlawful sexual conduct with a 16 or 17 year old to age 28 (age of majority, 18, plus 10 years). (HB 247) (Governor Signed into Law on March 28, 2020).
Virginia Extends the criminal SOL for misdemeanor sexual abuse of minors by adults more than 3 years older than the victim from age 19 to age 23 (age of majority, 18, plus 5 years). (SB 724 & HB 298) (SB 724 Governor Signed into Law on March 11, 2020) (HB 298 Governor Signed into Law on April 10, 2020).
West Virginia Extends the civil SOL against perpetrators from age 22 to age 36 (age of majority, 18, plus 18 years) or 4 years from discovery, whichever is later and revives claims up to age 36 or 4 years from discovery. Also extends the civil SOL against other individuals or organizations from age 20 to age 36 (age of majority, 18, plus 18 years) and revives claims up to age 36. (HB 4559) (Governor Signed into Law on March 25, 2020).
Total Eight (8) State Passed SOL Reform

 

C. SOL Reform Bills Introduced in Legislature in 2020

click here for summary of sol reform bills in 30 states and federal government that were introduced in legislature
Alaska

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for more sex trafficking offenses and expand its applicability to victims age 20 and older. (SB 165 & HB 225) (HB 225 Hearing on February 20, 2020) (SB 165 Hearing on March 3, 2020).

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for the following felony and misdemeanor crimes against minors: sexual abuse of a minor, incest, online enticement, unlawful exploitation, indecent exposure, and sexual assault, and sex trafficking of minors and adults. (SB 234)

Arizona Would eliminate the criminal SOL for child sex trafficking. (SB 1660) (Passed in Senate, March 12, 2020).
California Would extend the criminal SOL for misdemeanor distribution of private sexual imagery from 1 year to 1 year from discovery that image was distributed for offenses against minors and adults. (SB 894).
Colorado Would eliminate the civil SOL for victims abused as minors and adults and remove the limitations relating to damages. (HB 1296) (Passed in House, May 27, 2020, failed in Senate on June 12, 2020).
Florida

Eliminates the criminal SOL for felony sexual battery of victims under age 18. (SB 170 & HB 199) (HB 199 Governor Signed into Law on June 23, 2020) (SB 170 Substituted with HB 199). 

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for 1st and 2nd degree sexual battery of victims age 16 and older. Would extend the criminal SOL if there is DNA evidence for 1st and 2nd degree sexual battery so that SOL may not begin to run until results of testing are received by law enforcement. (SB 892 & HB 541) (Failed in CJ Comm., March 14, 2020).

Would eliminate the civil SOL for sexual offenses against minors and adults. (HB 277) (Withdrawn on January 9, 2020). 

Would eliminate the civil SOL for sexual offenses against minors and adults and open a 1-year revival window for expired claims. (SB 1184) (Failed).

Georgia

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for felony rape, aggravated sodomy, and aggravated sexual battery of minors and adults. (SB 287) (HB 1069) (SB 287 S. Hearing on February 27, 2020).

Would extend the criminal SOL against a corporation for felony sex trafficking to age 28 (age of majority, 18 plus 10 years). (SB 325).

Would extend the civil SOL from age 23 to age 38, extend the delayed discovery rule from 2 years to 4 years. Would open a 1-year revival window against perpetrators and entities, with a limitation that claims against entities can only be brought for conduct occurring after 1988. Prior version had a retroactive 1-year discovery rule and a less restrictive revival window which applied also to claims against individuals. (HB 479) (Passed in House, March 12, 2020).

Hawaii

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for felony sex trafficking of minors and adults. (HB 2290 & SB 2846) (SB 2846 Passed out of S. Human Services Comm., February 10, 2020).

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for felony sex trafficking of minors and adults. Senate amendment imposes strict liability for sex trafficking minors and adds solicitation of a minor for prostitution as sex trafficking offense. (HB 2573) (Passed in House, March 3, 2020, Passed out of Senate Judiciary Comm., June 23, 2020, House Disagreed with S. Amendments, July 8, 2020).

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for felony sex trafficking and promoting prostitution of minors and adults. (SB 2643) (Passed in Senate, March 3, 2020).

Would extend the civil SOL for injuries arising from child sex abuse from age 26 or 3 years from discovery to age 58 (age of majority, 18 plus 40 years). Prior version would bar recovery of punitive damages. (SB 2316) (Passed in Senate, March 3, 2020).

Would extend the civil SOL for injuries arising from child sex abuse from age 26 or 3 years from discovery to age 68 (age of majority, 18 plus 50 years) and permit recovery of punitive damages without limitation. Prior House versions extended to age 58 and barred recovery of punitive damages, then changed to age 68 and limited punitive damages to up to 2 times compensatory amount.  (HB 2177) (Passed in House, February 28, 2020, Passed out of Senate Judiciary Comm., June 23, 2020, House Disagreed with S. Amendments, July 6, 2020).

Indiana

Extends the criminal SOL if expired by 5 years after discovery of DNA, recording or confession evidence. Also permits victims to apply for victim compensation within 5 years of discovery of such evidence. Prior version of bill that passed in Senate would eliminate the civil SOL for child sex abuse claims and revive all expired claims by victims under age 31 against perpetrators and others. For victims above age 31, claims would be revived only if they are against perpetrators and there is DNA, recording or confession evidence. It would also extend the criminal SOL by 5 years if SOL is expired and discover DNA, recording or confession evidence. Prior versions would have eliminated the criminal SOL for the following felony sex offenses committed against minors and adults: rape, child exploitation, child molesting, vicarious sexual gratification, child solicitation, child seduction, sexual conduct with a minor and incest and would have revived expired claims. For victims age 31 and older amended provision several times to have no revival, or revival against perpetrators and others with additional DNA, recording or confession evidence. (SB 109) (Governor Signed into Law on March 14, 2020).

Would eliminate the civil SOL for injury resulting from child sex abuse and revive expired claims. Child sexually abused at health facility would not benefit from this elimination or revival. (SB 386).

Iowa

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for felony sex offenses against minors, including but not limited to: sexual abuse, incest, sexual exploitation, and sex trafficking. (SF 2038) (Failed on June 5, 2020).

Would eliminate the civil SOL for injuries resulting from child sex abuse and open a 2-year revival window for expired claims against perpetrators, private organizations and government. (SF 2037) (Failed on June 5, 2020).

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for felony 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree sexual abuse and trafficking. Would eliminate the civil SOL for sexual abuse and trafficking. (SSB 3032 & SF 2375) (SSB 3032 Passed out of S. Judiciary Comm., February 17, 2020) (SF 2375 Failed on June 5, 2020).

Kansas Would eliminate the civil SOL and open permanent revival window for claims that were not expired prior to 1992. (HB 2306 & SB 476) (Failed on May 21, 2020).
Kentucky Would extend the criminal SOL for misdemeanor child sex assault or abuse from age 23 to age 28 and broaden the applicable offenses to include: sex trafficking, promoting prostitution, and pornography. Would extend the civil SOL for claims against individuals and entities from age 21 to age 28 (age of majority, 18, plus 10 years), 10 years from discovery, or 10 years after conviction of the perpetrator. Also would revive claims against perpetrators, individuals and entities that fall within the age 28 or 10 years from discovery or conviction SOL as of 2016, and revive all claims that were expired as of 2016. Prior version would have eliminated the criminal SOL for misdemeanors and eliminated the civil SOL for claims against perpetrators of child sex assault or abuse crimes. (HB 47) (Passed in House, March 19, 2020).
Maryland Would eliminate the civil SOL and open a 2-year revival window for all expired claims. (HB 974) (Passed in House, March 14, 2020).
Massachusetts Would eliminate the civil SOL and open a permanent revival window for all expired claims. Would also broaden liability for government and non-profit entities. (S. 2815) (Judiciary Comm. Study Order, November 16, 2020).
Michigan

Would extend the criminal SOL for felonies and misdemeanors if the perpetrator was not identified so that the SOL many not begin to run until his/her legal name was known. Would retroactively eliminate the criminal SOL for felony 1st degree criminal sexual conduct of minors and adults occurring before 1995 if it was reported within 1 year of the offense and the perpetrator was not identified or didn’t reside in the state. (HB 5578).

Would open a 1-year revival window for physician sex abuse of minors and adults.  Would also extend the civil SOL by lengthening the discovery rule for minors to 6 years, and newly making it applicable to adults.  (HB 6237).

Would remove government immunity for claims involving civil sex abuse of minors and adults. (HB 6238).

Would extend the civil SOL for minors and adult victims to the later of age 48, 10 years from the abuse, or 7 years from discovery and would eliminate the civil SOL if a perpetrator is criminally convicted of the abuse. Also, would open a 2-year revival window for expired claims of minors and adults. (HB 6252).

Would extend civil SOL by removing 1-year notice of claim requirement for suits against the government. (HB 6253).

Mississippi

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for felony sexual battery of minors and adults. (SB 2010, SB 2390 & HB 945) (SB 2010 & SB 2390 Failed on March 3, 2020) (HB 945 Failed on March 12, 2020).

Would eliminate the civil SOL. (HB 111 & HB 1179) (Failed on March 3, 2020).

Missouri Would eliminate the civil SOL for claims against perpetrators only. (HB 1411) (Passed out of Admin. Oversight Comm., January 27, 2020).
Nebraska

Adds crimes of sexual assault and sexual contact of a student age 16-18 by a school employee. Extends criminal SOL for failure to report child abuse or neglect to 18 months after the offense or age 19 and half (age 18, plus 1½ years). (LB 881) (Governor Signed into Law on August 7, 2020).

Would add crimes of 1st and 2nd degree sexual assault of a student age 16-18 by school officials and child enticement of a student age 16-18 by a school official with a criminal SOL of age 25 (age 18, plus 7 years). (LB 991) (Hearing on February 20, 2020).

Would extend criminal SOL for failure to report child abuse or neglect to 18 months from offense or discovery by law enforcement. (LB 766) (Hearing on February 20, 2020).

New Hampshire

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for felony and misdemeanor sexual assault of minors and adults. (HB 1586) (Comm. Recommended for Future Legislation, September 23, 2020).

Would extend the criminal SOL for 1st and 2nd degree felony assault of a minor from 6 years after the offense to age 24 (age 18, plus 6 years). (HB 1598) (Passed in House, February 19, 2020).

Eliminates the civil SOL for incest and sexual assault of minors and adults and remove notification requirements for actions against the government. (SB 508 & HB 705) (HB 705 Governor Signed into Law on July 20, 2020).

New Jersey

Would eliminate the civil SOL for the following claims: sexual assault, endangering child welfare by engaging in sexual conduct that would impair or debauch the morals of the child, and recording a child in sexual acts. Would also eliminate civil SOL for any action filed against individual or entity which produces, distributes, or otherwise engages in the child pornography industry. (AB 386).

Would extend the criminal SOL for felony criminal sexual contact and endangering child welfare age 23 to age 28 (age of majority, 18, plus 10 years) or 2 years from discovery. (SB 1268).

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for sex trafficking of minors and adults. (AB 3741).

New Mexico

Would extend the criminal SOL for felony criminal sexual penetration of a minor to age 30. (SB 97) (Passed out of Public Affairs Comm., January 31, 2020).

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for felony sex trafficking of minors and adults. (HB 237) (Passed in House, February 15, 2020).

Would eliminate the civil SOL for claims against institutions only, revive all expired claims against institutions unless they have vested right to be free from suit. Would change the 3-year discovery rule that runs from disclosure of abuse to medical/mental health care provide to run from knowledge of injury, and open limited 18-month revival window for claims that were time-barred under prior discovery rule, but would not be barred under the new discovery rule provisions. (HB 302) (Passed in House, February 14, 2020).

New York

Extends the original 1-year Child Victims Act revival window to be open for an additional year, so that the window closes on August 14, 2021 instead 2020. (SB 7082 & AB 9036) (SB 7082 Governor Signed into Law on August 3, 2020).

Extends the Child Victim’s Act revival window to be open until January 14, 2021. (Executive Order No. 202.29) (Governor Cuomo Signed on May 8, 2020).

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for 2nd and 3rd degree rape and criminal sexual act committed against minors and adults. (AB 10636).

Ohio

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for rape. (HB 472).

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for rape. Would extend the civil SOL for child sex abuse to age 55 against the perpetrator and an entity. Would open a 3-year revival window for expired claims. Would create a 3-year discovery rule where there is fraudulent concealment on or after August 3, 2006. (HB 470).

Would extend the civil SOL for child sex abuse to age 55 against the perpetrator and an entity. Would create a 3-year discovery rule where there is fraudulent concealment on or after August 3, 2006. Would open a 3-year revival window for expired claims. (HB 471).

Would retroactively revive and eliminate the civil SOL for claims against a state university by victims of any age who were sexually abused by a university physician between January 1, 1978 and December 31, 2000. (HB 249) (H. Civil Justice Comm. Hearing on February 11, 2020).

Would eliminate the civil SOL for rape against the perpetrator regardless of victim’s age and eliminate the criminal SOL for rape, regardless of victim’s age. (SB 162 & HB 279) (SB 162 S. Judiciary Comm. Hearing on November 13, 2019).

Oklahoma

Would extend the criminal SOL for felony sex crimes against minors from age 45 or 12 years from discovery to 50 years after discovery of the crime. (SB 1798).

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for felony sex crimes against minors and adults. (HB 3024 & HB 3168) (HB 3024 Passed out of H. Judiciary Comm., February 4, 2020).

South Carolina

Would extend the civil SOL for sexual assault, sexual abuse and incest from age 27 or 3 years from discovery, to age 35 or 5 years from discovery and make it applicable to actions against individuals, private entities and the government, creating an exception to the SC Tort Claims Act. (HB 4689).

Would extend the civil SOL for sexual assault, sexual abuse or incest from age 27 or 3 years from discovery to age 55 or 5 years from discovery and make it applicable to actions against individuals, private entities and the government, creating an exception to the SC Tort Claims Act. Would also open a 1-year revival window for expired claims against perpetrators, government and private organizations. (SB 1008).

South Dakota Would open 2-year revival window for expired claims and extend the civil SOL by removing current age 40 limit for the 3-year discovery rule. (HB 1196) (Failed in H. Judiciary Comm., February 24, 2020).
Utah Extends the criminal SOL for felony unlawful sexual activity with a minor and unlawful sexual conduct with a 16 or 17 year old to age 28 (age of majority, 18, plus 10 years). Prior version extended to 10 years from the offense or age 26, whichever is later. (HB 247) (Governor Signed into Law on March 28, 2020).
Virginia

Extends the criminal SOL for misdemeanor sexual abuse of minors by adults more than 3 years older than the victim from age 19 to age 23 (age of majority, 18, plus 5 years). (SB 724) (Governor Signed into Law on March 11, 2020).

Extends the criminal SOL for misdemeanor sexual abuse of minors by adults more than 3 years older than the victim from age 19 to age 23 (age of majority, 18, plus 5 years). Prior version extended to age 25. (HB 298) (Governor Signed into Law on April 10, 2020).

Would open a 3-year revival window for expired claims. (HB 290) (Failed, February 11, 2020).

Would open a 2-year revival window for expired claims. (HB 610) (Passed in House, January 31, 2020, Failed in S. Judiciary Comm., February 19, 2020, Continued to 2021).

West Virginia

Extends the civil SOL against perpetrators from age 22 to age 36 (age of majority, 18, plus 18 years) or 4 years from discovery, whichever is later and revives claims up to age 36 or 4 years from discovery. Also extends the civil SOL against other individuals or organizations from age 20 to age 36 (age of majority, 18, plus 18 years) and revives claims up to age 36. (HB 4559) (Governor Signed into Law on March 25, 2020).

Would extend the civil SOL from age 22 or 4 years from discovery to age 55 and open a 1-year revival window for expired claims against perpetrators, individuals, entities and the government. Would extend the criminal SOL for misdemeanor sex offenses against children to age 24 or 1 year from reporting to law enforcement, whichever is earlier. (HB 4592).

Would eliminate the civil SOL and expand to apply to individuals and organizations in addition to perpetrators. (SB 709).

Wisconsin

Would eliminate the civil SOL for sexual abuse of minors and open a 3-year revival window for expired claims against perpetrators, government and private organizations. (SB 381 & AB 424) (Failed on April 1, 2020).

Would extend the criminal SOL for 2nd degree sexual assault against minors and adults from 10 to 20 years from the offense. (SB 686 & AB 776) (Failed on April 1, 2020).

Wyoming Would extend the civil SOL for sexual abuse of a minor from age 26 to age 53. Would revive expired SOLs up to age 53, plus an additional 2 years for victims who on the effective date are within 2 years of reaching age 53. (SF 12) (Failed on February 14, 2020).
Federal Government Would add civil liability for internet providers for sexual exploitation of minors with an SOL for claims against them of age 28 or 10 years from discovery of the violation or the injury. (S 3398 EARN IT Act of 2020) (Passed out of S. Judiciary Comm., July 2, 2020).
Total Thirty (30) States and Federal Government Considering SOL Reform in 2020

 

PART II: OVERVIEW OF JURISDICTIONS WITH THE BEST CRIMINAL AND CIVIL SOL LAWS

Best SOLs

 D. Jurisdictions with No Criminal SOL

click here for summary of criminal sol elimination laws in 42 states, federal government and d.c.
Alaska

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for more sex trafficking offenses and expand its applicability to victims age 20 and older. (SB 165 & HB 225) (HB 225 Hearing on February 20, 2020) (SB 165 Hearing on March 3, 2020).

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for the following felony and misdemeanor crimes against minors: sexual abuse of a minor, incest, online enticement, unlawful exploitation, indecent exposure, and sexual assault, and sex trafficking of minors and adults. (SB 234)

Arizona Would eliminate the criminal SOL for child sex trafficking. (SB 1660) (Passed in Senate, March 12, 2020).
California Would extend the criminal SOL for misdemeanor distribution of private sexual imagery from 1 year to 1 year from discovery that image was distributed for offenses against minors and adults. (SB 894).
Colorado Would eliminate the civil SOL for victims abused as minors and adults and remove the limitations relating to damages. (HB 1296) (Passed in House, May 27, 2020, failed in Senate on June 12, 2020).
Florida

Eliminates the criminal SOL for felony sexual battery of victims under age 18. (SB 170 & HB 199) (HB 199 Governor Signed into Law on June 23, 2020) (SB 170 Substituted with HB 199). 

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for 1st and 2nd degree sexual battery of victims age 16 and older. Would extend the criminal SOL if there is DNA evidence for 1st and 2nd degree sexual battery so that SOL may not begin to run until results of testing are received by law enforcement. (SB 892 & HB 541) (Failed in CJ Comm., March 14, 2020).

Would eliminate the civil SOL for sexual offenses against minors and adults. (HB 277) (Withdrawn on January 9, 2020). 

Would eliminate the civil SOL for sexual offenses against minors and adults and open a 1-year revival window for expired claims. (SB 1184) (Failed).

Georgia

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for felony rape, aggravated sodomy, and aggravated sexual battery of minors and adults. (SB 287) (HB 1069) (SB 287 S. Hearing on February 27, 2020).

Would extend the criminal SOL against a corporation for felony sex trafficking to age 28 (age of majority, 18 plus 10 years). (SB 325).

Would extend the civil SOL from age 23 to age 38, extend the delayed discovery rule from 2 years to 4 years. Would open a 1-year revival window against perpetrators and entities, with a limitation that claims against entities can only be brought for conduct occurring after 1988. Prior version had a retroactive 1-year discovery rule and a less restrictive revival window which applied also to claims against individuals. (HB 479) (Passed in House, March 12, 2020).

Hawaii

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for felony sex trafficking of minors and adults. (HB 2290 & SB 2846) (SB 2846 Passed out of S. Human Services Comm., February 10, 2020).

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for felony sex trafficking of minors and adults. Senate amendment imposes strict liability for sex trafficking minors and adds solicitation of a minor for prostitution as sex trafficking offense. (HB 2573) (Passed in House, March 3, 2020, Passed out of Senate Judiciary Comm., June 23, 2020, House Disagreed with S. Amendments, July 8, 2020).

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for felony sex trafficking and promoting prostitution of minors and adults. (SB 2643) (Passed in Senate, March 3, 2020).

Would extend the civil SOL for injuries arising from child sex abuse from age 26 or 3 years from discovery to age 58 (age of majority, 18 plus 40 years). Prior version would bar recovery of punitive damages. (SB 2316) (Passed in Senate, March 3, 2020).

Would extend the civil SOL for injuries arising from child sex abuse from age 26 or 3 years from discovery to age 68 (age of majority, 18 plus 50 years) and permit recovery of punitive damages without limitation. Prior House versions extended to age 58 and barred recovery of punitive damages, then changed to age 68 and limited punitive damages to up to 2 times compensatory amount.  (HB 2177) (Passed in House, February 28, 2020, Passed out of Senate Judiciary Comm., June 23, 2020, House Disagreed with S. Amendments, July 6, 2020).

Indiana

Extends the criminal SOL if expired by 5 years after discovery of DNA, recording or confession evidence. Also permits victims to apply for victim compensation within 5 years of discovery of such evidence. Prior version of bill that passed in Senate would eliminate the civil SOL for child sex abuse claims and revive all expired claims by victims under age 31 against perpetrators and others. For victims above age 31, claims would be revived only if they are against perpetrators and there is DNA, recording or confession evidence. It would also extend the criminal SOL by 5 years if SOL is expired and discover DNA, recording or confession evidence. Prior versions would have eliminated the criminal SOL for the following felony sex offenses committed against minors and adults: rape, child exploitation, child molesting, vicarious sexual gratification, child solicitation, child seduction, sexual conduct with a minor and incest and would have revived expired claims. For victims age 31 and older amended provision several times to have no revival, or revival against perpetrators and others with additional DNA, recording or confession evidence. (SB 109) (Governor Signed into Law on March 14, 2020).

Would eliminate the civil SOL for injury resulting from child sex abuse and revive expired claims. Child sexually abused at health facility would not benefit from this elimination or revival. (SB 386).

Iowa

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for felony sex offenses against minors, including but not limited to: sexual abuse, incest, sexual exploitation, and sex trafficking. (SF 2038) (Failed on June 5, 2020).

Would eliminate the civil SOL for injuries resulting from child sex abuse and open a 2-year revival window for expired claims against perpetrators, private organizations and government. (SF 2037) (Failed on June 5, 2020).

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for felony 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree sexual abuse and trafficking. Would eliminate the civil SOL for sexual abuse and trafficking. (SSB 3032 & SF 2375) (SSB 3032 Passed out of S. Judiciary Comm., February 17, 2020) (SF 2375 Failed on June 5, 2020).

Kansas Would eliminate the civil SOL and open permanent revival window for claims that were not expired prior to 1992. (HB 2306 & SB 476) (Failed on May 21, 2020).
Kentucky Would extend the criminal SOL for misdemeanor child sex assault or abuse from age 23 to age 28 and broaden the applicable offenses to include: sex trafficking, promoting prostitution, and pornography. Would extend the civil SOL for claims against individuals and entities from age 21 to age 28 (age of majority, 18, plus 10 years), 10 years from discovery, or 10 years after conviction of the perpetrator. Also would revive claims against perpetrators, individuals and entities that fall within the age 28 or 10 years from discovery or conviction SOL as of 2016, and revive all claims that were expired as of 2016. Prior version would have eliminated the criminal SOL for misdemeanors and eliminated the civil SOL for claims against perpetrators of child sex assault or abuse crimes. (HB 47) (Passed in House, March 19, 2020).
Maryland Would eliminate the civil SOL and open a 2-year revival window for all expired claims. (HB 974) (Passed in House, March 14, 2020).
Massachusetts Would eliminate the civil SOL and open a permanent revival window for all expired claims. Would also broaden liability for government and non-profit entities. (S. 2815) (Judiciary Comm. Study Order, November 16, 2020).
Michigan

Would extend the criminal SOL for felonies and misdemeanors if the perpetrator was not identified so that the SOL many not begin to run until his/her legal name was known. Would retroactively eliminate the criminal SOL for felony 1st degree criminal sexual conduct of minors and adults occurring before 1995 if it was reported within 1 year of the offense and the perpetrator was not identified or didn’t reside in the state. (HB 5578).

Would open a 1-year revival window for physician sex abuse of minors and adults.  Would also extend the civil SOL by lengthening the discovery rule for minors to 6 years, and newly making it applicable to adults.  (HB 6237).

Would remove government immunity for claims involving civil sex abuse of minors and adults. (HB 6238).

Would extend the civil SOL for minors and adult victims to the later of age 48, 10 years from the abuse, or 7 years from discovery and would eliminate the civil SOL if a perpetrator is criminally convicted of the abuse. Also, would open a 2-year revival window for expired claims of minors and adults. (HB 6252).

Would extend civil SOL by removing 1-year notice of claim requirement for suits against the government. (HB 6253).

Mississippi

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for felony sexual battery of minors and adults. (SB 2010, SB 2390 & HB 945) (SB 2010 & SB 2390 Failed on March 3, 2020) (HB 945 Failed on March 12, 2020).

Would eliminate the civil SOL. (HB 111 & HB 1179) (Failed on March 3, 2020).

Missouri Would eliminate the civil SOL for claims against perpetrators only. (HB 1411) (Passed out of Admin. Oversight Comm., January 27, 2020).
Nebraska

Adds crimes of sexual assault and sexual contact of a student age 16-18 by a school employee. Extends criminal SOL for failure to report child abuse or neglect to 18 months after the offense or age 19 and half (age 18, plus 1½ years). (LB 881) (Governor Signed into Law on August 7, 2020).

Would add crimes of 1st and 2nd degree sexual assault of a student age 16-18 by school officials and child enticement of a student age 16-18 by a school official with a criminal SOL of age 25 (age 18, plus 7 years). (LB 991) (Hearing on February 20, 2020).

Would extend criminal SOL for failure to report child abuse or neglect to 18 months from offense or discovery by law enforcement. (LB 766) (Hearing on February 20, 2020).

New Hampshire

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for felony and misdemeanor sexual assault of minors and adults. (HB 1586) (Comm. Recommended for Future Legislation, September 23, 2020).

Would extend the criminal SOL for 1st and 2nd degree felony assault of a minor from 6 years after the offense to age 24 (age 18, plus 6 years). (HB 1598) (Passed in House, February 19, 2020).

Eliminates the civil SOL for incest and sexual assault of minors and adults and remove notification requirements for actions against the government. (SB 508 & HB 705) (HB 705 Governor Signed into Law on July 20, 2020).

New Jersey

Would eliminate the civil SOL for the following claims: sexual assault, endangering child welfare by engaging in sexual conduct that would impair or debauch the morals of the child, and recording a child in sexual acts. Would also eliminate civil SOL for any action filed against individual or entity which produces, distributes, or otherwise engages in the child pornography industry. (AB 386).

Would extend the criminal SOL for felony criminal sexual contact and endangering child welfare age 23 to age 28 (age of majority, 18, plus 10 years) or 2 years from discovery. (SB 1268).

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for sex trafficking of minors and adults. (AB 3741).

New Mexico

Would extend the criminal SOL for felony criminal sexual penetration of a minor to age 30. (SB 97) (Passed out of Public Affairs Comm., January 31, 2020).

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for felony sex trafficking of minors and adults. (HB 237) (Passed in House, February 15, 2020).

Would eliminate the civil SOL for claims against institutions only, revive all expired claims against institutions unless they have vested right to be free from suit. Would change the 3-year discovery rule that runs from disclosure of abuse to medical/mental health care provide to run from knowledge of injury, and open limited 18-month revival window for claims that were time-barred under prior discovery rule, but would not be barred under the new discovery rule provisions. (HB 302) (Passed in House, February 14, 2020).

New York

Extends the original 1-year Child Victims Act revival window to be open for an additional year, so that the window closes on August 14, 2021 instead 2020. (SB 7082 & AB 9036) (SB 7082 Governor Signed into Law on August 3, 2020).

Extends the Child Victim’s Act revival window to be open until January 14, 2021. (Executive Order No. 202.29) (Governor Cuomo Signed on May 8, 2020).

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for 2nd and 3rd degree rape and criminal sexual act committed against minors and adults. (AB 10636).

Ohio

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for rape. (HB 472).

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for rape. Would extend the civil SOL for child sex abuse to age 55 against the perpetrator and an entity. Would open a 3-year revival window for expired claims. Would create a 3-year discovery rule where there is fraudulent concealment on or after August 3, 2006. (HB 470).

Would extend the civil SOL for child sex abuse to age 55 against the perpetrator and an entity. Would create a 3-year discovery rule where there is fraudulent concealment on or after August 3, 2006. Would open a 3-year revival window for expired claims. (HB 471).

Would retroactively revive and eliminate the civil SOL for claims against a state university by victims of any age who were sexually abused by a university physician between January 1, 1978 and December 31, 2000. (HB 249) (H. Civil Justice Comm. Hearing on February 11, 2020).

Would eliminate the civil SOL for rape against the perpetrator regardless of victim’s age and eliminate the criminal SOL for rape, regardless of victim’s age. (SB 162 & HB 279) (SB 162 S. Judiciary Comm. Hearing on November 13, 2019).

Oklahoma

Would extend the criminal SOL for felony sex crimes against minors from age 45 or 12 years from discovery to 50 years after discovery of the crime. (SB 1798).

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for felony sex crimes against minors and adults. (HB 3024 & HB 3168) (HB 3024 Passed out of H. Judiciary Comm., February 4, 2020).

South Carolina

Would extend the civil SOL for sexual assault, sexual abuse and incest from age 27 or 3 years from discovery, to age 35 or 5 years from discovery and make it applicable to actions against individuals, private entities and the government, creating an exception to the SC Tort Claims Act. (HB 4689).

Would extend the civil SOL for sexual assault, sexual abuse or incest from age 27 or 3 years from discovery to age 55 or 5 years from discovery and make it applicable to actions against individuals, private entities and the government, creating an exception to the SC Tort Claims Act. Would also open a 1-year revival window for expired claims against perpetrators, government and private organizations. (SB 1008).

South Dakota Would open 2-year revival window for expired claims and extend the civil SOL by removing current age 40 limit for the 3-year discovery rule. (HB 1196) (Failed in H. Judiciary Comm., February 24, 2020).
Utah Extends the criminal SOL for felony unlawful sexual activity with a minor and unlawful sexual conduct with a 16 or 17 year old to age 28 (age of majority, 18, plus 10 years). Prior version extended to 10 years from the offense or age 26, whichever is later. (HB 247) (Governor Signed into Law on March 28, 2020).
Virginia

Extends the criminal SOL for misdemeanor sexual abuse of minors by adults more than 3 years older than the victim from age 19 to age 23 (age of majority, 18, plus 5 years). (SB 724) (Governor Signed into Law on March 11, 2020).

Extends the criminal SOL for misdemeanor sexual abuse of minors by adults more than 3 years older than the victim from age 19 to age 23 (age of majority, 18, plus 5 years). Prior version extended to age 25. (HB 298) (Governor Signed into Law on April 10, 2020).

Would open a 3-year revival window for expired claims. (HB 290) (Failed, February 11, 2020).

Would open a 2-year revival window for expired claims. (HB 610) (Passed in House, January 31, 2020, Failed in S. Judiciary Comm., February 19, 2020, Continued to 2021).

West Virginia

Extends the civil SOL against perpetrators from age 22 to age 36 (age of majority, 18, plus 18 years) or 4 years from discovery, whichever is later and revives claims up to age 36 or 4 years from discovery. Also extends the civil SOL against other individuals or organizations from age 20 to age 36 (age of majority, 18, plus 18 years) and revives claims up to age 36. (HB 4559) (Governor Signed into Law on March 25, 2020).

Would extend the civil SOL from age 22 or 4 years from discovery to age 55 and open a 1-year revival window for expired claims against perpetrators, individuals, entities and the government. Would extend the criminal SOL for misdemeanor sex offenses against children to age 24 or 1 year from reporting to law enforcement, whichever is earlier. (HB 4592).

Would eliminate the civil SOL and expand to apply to individuals and organizations in addition to perpetrators. (SB 709).

Wisconsin

Would eliminate the civil SOL for sexual abuse of minors and open a 3-year revival window for expired claims against perpetrators, government and private organizations. (SB 381 & AB 424) (Failed on April 1, 2020).

Would extend the criminal SOL for 2nd degree sexual assault against minors and adults from 10 to 20 years from the offense. (SB 686 & AB 776) (Failed on April 1, 2020).

Wyoming Would extend the civil SOL for sexual abuse of a minor from age 26 to age 53. Would revive expired SOLs up to age 53, plus an additional 2 years for victims who on the effective date are within 2 years of reaching age 53. (SF 12) (Failed on February 14, 2020).
Federal Government Would add civil liability for internet providers for sexual exploitation of minors with an SOL for claims against them of age 28 or 10 years from discovery of the violation or the injury. (S 3398 EARN IT Act of 2020) (Passed out of S. Judiciary Comm., July 2, 2020).
Total Thirty (30) States and Federal Government Considering SOL Reform in 2020

 

E. Jurisdictions with No Civil SOL
(for at least some child sex abuse claims)

click here for summary of civil sol elimination laws in 12 states
Alaska None for felony sex abuse of a minor and felony sexual assault (as of 2001), unlawful exploitation of a minor (as of 2003), and felony sex trafficking or felony human trafficking (as of 2013). Applies to claims arising after the effective dates and to non-expired claims arising before. (Alaska Stat. Ann. § 09.10.065).
Connecticut None if events forming the civil claim led to conviction of first-degree aggravated sexual assault or sexual assault. Applies to any cause of action arising from an incident committed prior to, on or after May 23, 2002. (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-577e).
Delaware None for action based on sexual abuse of a minor by an adult. Effective as of July 10, 2007 and also applies to non-expired claims arising before that date. (Del. Code Ann. tit. 10, § 8145).
Florida None for sexual battery offenses committed against victims under 16 years old. Effective as of July 1, 2010 and also applies to non-expired claims arising before that date. (Fla. Stat. Ann. § 95.11).
Illinois None for action based on childhood sexual abuse. Effective as of January 1, 2014 and also applies to non-expired claims arising before that date. (IL ST CH 735 § 5/13-202.2).
Maine None for action based on sexual contact or sexual act with a minor. Effective as of April 7, 2000 and also applies to non-expired claims arising before that date. (Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 752-C).
Minnesota None for action based on sexual abuse of a minor. Effective as of May 25, 2013 and also applies to non-expired claims arising before that date. (Minn. Stat. § 541.073 (b)).
Nebraska None for action based on sexual assault of a child against a perpetrator. Effective as of August 24, 2017 and also applies to non-expired claims arising before that date. (Neb. Rev. St. § 25-228).
Nevada None for action based on child sex abuse against a perpetrator where there is clear and convincing evidence of the abuse. (Petersen v. Bruen, 106 Nev. 271, 281 (1990)).
New Hampshire None for action based on sexual assault or related offenses against minors and adults. Effective as of September 18, 2020. (NH ST § 508:4-g).
Utah None for action based on intentional or negligent sexual abuse of a minor against a perpetrator. Effective as of March 23, 2015. (Utah Code § 78B-2-308).
Vermont None for action based on childhood sexual abuse. Effective as of July 1, 2019 and it is fully retroactive, applying to all claims arising before or on or after that date. (Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 12, § 522).
Total  Twelve (12) States Eliminated Civil SOLs
Civil Age Cap Ranking

 F. Jurisdictions that Revived Expired Civil SOL
(opened revival window or revived up to a certain age)

click here for summary of civil revival laws in 18 states, d.c. and Guam
Arizona (2019-20) 19-month window opened on May 27, 2019 for expired claims against perpetrators, private organizations and government and will close on December 31, 2020 – open. Also revives SOL up to age 30. (HB 2466 Effective May 27, 2019).
California (2003-04) 1-year window revived SOL against private organizations only – closed. (Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 340.1). (2020-22) 3-year revival window opened on January 1, 2020 for expired claims against perpetrators, private organizations and government – open. Also revives SOL up to age 40. (AB 218 Effective October 13, 2019).
Connecticut (2002) Revives SOL up to age 48 against perpetrators, private organizations and government. (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-577d).
Delaware (2007-09) 2-year window revived SOL against perpetrators, private organizations and government – closed. (Del. Code tit. 10, § 8145). (2010-12) Added 2-year window for healthcare providers because original window did not apply to claims against them – closed. (Del. Code tit. 18, § 6856).
Georgia (2015-17) 2-year window revived SOL against perpetrators only – closed. (Ga. Code § 9-3-33.1).
Guam (2016) Permanently revives all expired claims against perpetrators, private organizations and government – open. (tit. 7 G.C.A. § 11301.1(b)).
Hawaii (2012-14) 2-year window revived SOL against perpetrators and private organizations. (2014-16) Extended original window for another 2 years and expanded to include claims against the government. (2018-20) Extended window was open until April 24, 2020 – closed. (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-1.8).
Massachusetts (2014) Revives SOL up to age 53 against perpetrators only. (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, § 4C).
Michigan (2018) 90-day window revived SOL for victims of Larry Nassar only – closed. (Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5851b).
Minnesota (2013-16) 3-year window revived SOL against perpetrators and private organizations – closed. (Minn. Stat. § 541.073, 2013 Minn. Sess. Law Serv. Ch. 89 (H.F. 681)).
Montana (2019-20) 1-year window opened on May 7, 2019 for expired claims against perpetrators and entities – closed. Also revives SOL up to age 27. (Mont. Code § 27-2-216 Effective May 7, 2019).
New Jersey (2019-21) 2-year window opened on December 1, 2019 for expired claims against perpetrators, private organizations and government – open. Window applies to child sex abuse victims and those sexually assaulted as adults. Also revives SOL up to age 55. (S477 Effective May 13, 2019).
New York (2019-20) 1-year window opened on August 14, 2019 for expired claims against perpetrators, private organizations and government – open. (N.Y. C.P.L.R. 214-g Effective February 14, 2019). (2020-21) Extended window via executive order (Executive Order No. 202.29) and then again with a 1-year window extension law keeping window open until August 14, 2021. (SB 7082, Effective August 3, 2020).
North Carolina (2020-21) 2-year window opened on January 1, 2020 for expired civil claims – open. (S. 199 Effective December 1, 2019).
Oregon (2010) Revives SOL up to age 40 against perpetrators and private organizations. (O.R.S. § 12.117).
Rhode Island (2019) Revives SOL up to age 53 against perpetrator only. (RI ST § 9-1-51 Effective July 1, 2019).
Utah* (2016) Permanently revived SOL up to age 53 against perpetrators or persons criminally liable and 3-year window opened on May 10, 2016 for expired claims against perpetrators and persons criminally liable. The revival law is not in effect because it was held unconstitutional in 2020.
Vermont (2019) Permanently revives all expired claims against perpetrators, private organizations and government – open. (H.330 Effective May 28, 2019).
West Virginia (2020) Revives SOL up to age 36 against perpetrators and private organizations. (HB 4559).
Washington D.C. (2019-21) 2-year window opened on May 3, 2019 for expired claims against perpetrators and entities – open. Window applies to all child sex abuse victims up to age 40 or those who discovered their abuse less than 5 years ago, and in some circumstances, those sexually assaulted as adults. (L22-0311 Effective May 3, 2019).
Total Eighteen (18) States, Washington D.C. and Guam Revived Expired Civil SOLs