2023 SOL TRACKER

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

2023 SOL Reform Legislation and Best Current Civil and Criminal SOLs

PART I: OVERVIEW OF 2023 SOL REFORM BILLS

A. New SOL Reform Laws Going into Effect (15 States)

       (2 to eliminate criminal; 6 to extend criminal; 5 to eliminate civil; 5 to extend civil; 4 for civil window/revival)

B. SOL Reform Bills Passed in Legislature and Awaiting Approval (0 States) 

C. SOL Reform Bills Introduced (38 States & Federal)

(20 to eliminate criminal; 18  to extend criminal; 26 to eliminate civil; 16 to extend civil; 21 for civil window/revival)

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

D. No Criminal SOL (44 States, 5 U.S. Territories, & Federal)

E. No Civil SOL (18 States, 2 U.S. Territories, & Federal)

F. Revived Expired Civil SOL (27 States & 3 U.S. Territories)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Last updated: December 4, 2023

At a Glance:

 

PART I: OVERVIEW OF 2023 SOL REFORM BILLS

A. New SOL Reform Laws Going into Effect

click here for summary of new sol reform laws in 15 states

 

Arkansas

Eliminates the civil SOL for sexual abuse of minors and adults with disabilities and opens a 2-year revival window. (SB 204) (Signed into Law on April 11, 2023). See CHILD 2/21 Testimony and 2/8 Testimony.

Adds the crime of misdemeanor sexual indecency with a child and sets the SOL at 1 year from the offense. (SB 270) (Signed into Law on April 11, 2023). 

Adds the crime of misdemeanor offensive relations with a child and sets the SOL at 1 year from the offense. (HB 1647) (Signed into Law on April 12, 2023).

California

Eliminates the civil SOL for CSA claims arising on and after January 1, 2024 and removes the prior restriction for CSA actions filed on or after the plaintiff’s 40th birthday that defendant had reasonable knowledge and failed to act. Prior version would have opened a permanent revival window for all expired claims. (AB 452) (Signed into Law on October 10, 2023).

Retroactively extends the civil SOL for CSAM claims arising before January 1, 2024 to the later of age 40 or 10 years after discovery of the CSAM. (SB 558) (Signed into Law on October 13, 2023). See CHILD USA 4/4/23 Testimony

Florida Adds a civil cause of action for trafficking claims against adult theaters with no SOL for victims under age 16 and an SOL of age 25, 4 years after leaving dependency of the abuser, or 4 years from discovery for victims age 16 and 17. (SB 7064) (Signed into Law on May 16, 2023).
Indiana Extends the criminal SOL for expired sex offenses against children by 5 years after discovery of DNA, recording, or confession evidence. (SB 48) (Signed into Law on April 5, 2023).
Kansas Eliminates the criminal SOL for CSA, trafficking, and CSAM crimes. Extends the civil SOL for CSA and CSAM to age 31 or 3 years after criminal conviction, and revives claims up to these limits. Also lifts sovereign immunity, the $500,000 damage cap, and notice of claim requirements for CSA actions against the government. (SB 317 & S. Sub for HB 2127) (Signed into Law on April 14, 2023). See CHILD USA 3/22 Testimony.
Maine

Eliminates the criminal SOL for sexual assault and sexual exploitation of minors, and eliminates the civil SOL for incest, sexual assault, and sexual exploitation of minors. (LD 1790) (Signed into Law on July 27, 2023).

Removes charitable immunity from liability for civil claims of sexual assault or exploitation of a minor. (LD 1312) (Signed into Law on June 28, 2023).

Maryland Eliminates the civil SOL for sexual abuse of a minor and opens a permanent revival window with damage caps of $1.5 million for expired claims.  (HB 1 & SB 686) (Signed into Law on April 11, 2023).
Mississippi Extends the criminal SOL for conspiracy to commit CSA crimes to the SOL for the underlying crime. (SB 2337) (Signed into Law on Mar. 14, 2023).
Montana Adds the felony crime of child sex trafficking with no criminal SOL and sets the civil SOL at age 27 or 3 years from discovery. (HB 112) (Signed into Law on April 19, 2023).
North Dakota Extends the civil SOL for CSA for minors abused while under age 15, to age 36, and for minors abused at age 15 or older, to 21 years after the abuse. Also, makes the SOL applicable to state entities and exempts CSA claims from the notice of claim requirement. Prior version would have opened a 2-year revival window for CSA and ASA, including against public schools. (SB 2282) (Signed into Law on April 12, 2023). See CHILD USA Testimony.
Ohio Revives the civil SOL for 5 years for CSA claims against a bankruptcy estate of an organization chartered under federal law, i.e. the Boy Scouts of America. (HB 35) (Signed into Law on October 12, 2023). See CHILD USA 6/20 Testimony.
Oregon

Adds the crime of sexual assault by fraudulent representation and sets the criminal SOL at 6 years after discovery of the criminal nature of the conduct. (SB 974) (Signed into Law on June 7, 2023).

Extends the civil SOL for sex trafficking of minors to the later of age 28 or 10 years after the trafficking ends. (SB 1052) (Signed into Law on June 12, 2023).

Extends the criminal SOL for first-degree sex crimes against minors to the later of age 30 or 20 years after commission of the crime. (HB 3632) (Signed into Law on July 13, 2023).

South Dakota Broadens the crime of fourth-degree rape to include rape without consent, with an SOL of the later of age 25 or 7 years from the offense. (SB 91) (Signed into Law on March 20, 2023).
Texas

Adds the felony offense of sexual grooming and sets the criminal SOL at 3 years from the offense. (SB 1527) (Signed into Law on May 19, 2023).

Extends the criminal SOL for sexual performance by a 17-year-old child to age 38 (age 18 plus 20 years), and possession or promotion of CSAM to 7 years from the offense. (HB 1769) (Signed into Law on June 9, 2023).

Washington Extends the criminal SOL for felony sex offenses by extending when the SOL begins to run from 2 to 4 years from identification of perpetrator by DNA, regardless of victim’s age. (HB 1028(Signed into Law on May 1, 2023). See CHILD USA 1/9 Testimony, 3/10 Testimony, & 3/29 Testimony.
Total Fifteen (15) States with New SOL Reform Laws in 2023

 

B. SOL Reform Bills Passed in Legislature

click here for summary of sol reform bills that passed in legislature and are awaiting approval in 0 states

 

 

 

Total No State Legislature Passed SOL Reform that is Awaiting Approval in 2023

 

C. SOL Reform Bills Introduced in Legislature

click here for summary of sol reform bills in 38 states and the federal government that were introduced in legislature

 

Alabama Would extend and revive the civil SOL for all sex offenses against a person under 19 years of age up to age 55 (age 19, plus 36 years) and open a 2-year revival window for all expired claims, including for those age 55 and older. (SB 127) (S. Hearing, May 10, 2023).
Alaska Would eliminate the criminal SOL for first and second degree sex trafficking and extend the SOL for third degree sex trafficking to 10 years from the offense. (SB 66). 
Arkansas

Eliminates the civil SOL for sexual abuse of children and disabled adults and opens a 2-year revival window for expired claims. (SB 204) (Signed into Law on April 11, 2023). See CHILD USA 2/8 Testimony and 2/21 Testimony.

Would broaden the list of people who are mandated reporters of child maltreatment, including sexual abuse, and extend  the criminal SOL for their failure to report to the later of when a survivor reaches age 28 or the SOL for prosecuting the underlying maltreatment crime. (HB 1542) (H. Judiciary Comm. Hearing, Mar. 14, 2023; Withdrawn by author, Mar. 14, 2023).

Adds the crime of misdemeanor sexual indecency with a child and sets the SOL at 1 year from the offense. (SB 270) (Signed into Law on April 11, 2023). 

Adds the crime of misdemeanor offensive relations with a child and sets the SOL at 1 year from the offense. (HB 1647) (Signed into Law on April 12, 2023).

Would add the crime of capital rape with no SOL for forcible deviate sexual activity with persons under 17 or any deviate sexual activity with persons under 14. (SB 552).

California

Eliminates the civil SOL for CSA claims arising on and after January 1, 2024 and removes the prior restriction for CSA actions filed on or after the plaintiff’s 40th birthday that defendant had reasonable knowledge and failed to act. Prior version would have opened a permanent revival window for all expired claims. (AB 452) (Signed into Law on October 10, 2023).

Retroactively extends the civil SOL for CSAM claims arising before January 1, 2024 to the later of age 40 or 10 years after discovery of the CSAM. (SB 558(Signed into Law on October 13, 2023). See CHILD USA 4/4/23 Testimony

Would open a 1-year revival window for child sexual claims arising from sexual assault by employees of juvenile probation camp or detention facilities owned and operated by the Division of Juvenile Justice. (AB 1547) (Passed out of Assembly Judiciary Comm., April 18, 2023; A. Appropriations Comm. Hearing, May 18, 2023See CHILD USA 4/10/23 Testimony

Connecticut Would eliminate the civil SOL for sexual abuse, exploitation, and assault of minors and adults under age 21. (HB 6524 & HB 6455).
Florida

Adds a civil cause of action for trafficking claims against adult theaters with no SOL for victims under age 16 and an SOL of age 25, 4 years after leaving dependency of the abuser, or 4 years from discovery for victims age 16 and 17. (SB 7064) (HB 7045 & SB 7064) (HB 7045 Passed out. of H. Appr. Comm., April 12, 2023 and H. Commerce Comm., Apr. 17, 2023) (SB 7064 Signed into Law on May 16, 2023).

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for first and second degree sexual battery of 16 and 17 year olds if reported to law enforcement or a medical professional within 21 days of the crime. (SB 424 & HB 521) (HB 521 Died in H. Judiciary Comm., May 5, 2023). (SB 424 Comm. Substitute passed in Senate, April 27, 2023; Died in House, May 5, 2023See CHILD USA 3/28 Testimony.

Hawaii

Would eliminate the civil SOL for claims against perpetrators for sex trafficking or promoting prostitution by coercion of minors and adults. (SB 1204).

Would extend the civil SOL from age 26 with a 3-year discovery rule to age 50 with a 5-year discovery rule. (SB 238 & HB 582) (HB 582 Passed in House, Mar. 7, 2023). See CHILD USA 2/7 Testimony and 2/27 Testimony.

Would clarify the civil SOL for child sexual abuse and provide remedies of punitive damages and restorative justice. (HB 483 & SB 952).

Illinois

Would eliminate the civil SOL for childhood sexual abuse claims against a bankruptcy estate. (SB 153). 

Would broaden the definition of grooming exploitation of a child and extend the criminal SOL for grooming a child under 17 years old to age 27. (HB 2458 & SB 1576) (HB 2458 H. Judiciary Comm. Hearing, Mar. 7 & 9, 2023).

Indiana

Would add the felony crime of sex with a minor with no SOL. (SB 67). 

Extends the criminal SOL for felony sex offenses against children if expired by 5 years after discovery of DNA, recording or confession evidence.  (SB 48) (Signed by Governor, April 5, 2023).

Would revive CSA claims against Boy Scouts of American in bankruptcy. (HB 1400) (Passed in House, February 6, 2023).

Iowa

Would eliminate the civil SOL for child sexual abuse and open a 3-year revival window for expired claims related to these felonies against all types of defendants.  (SF 158).

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for continuous sexual abuse of a child, and kidnapping and burglary of a child in the course of sexual abuse. (SF 233 & SF 525) (SF 525 Passed in Senate, Mar. 22, 2023; Passed out of H. Judiciary Subcomm., Mar. 27, 2023).

Would eliminate the civil SOL for certain sexual offenses against minors if a perpetrator is convicted of the offense. (SSB 1194 & SF 524) (Passed out of S. Judiciary Comm., March 6, 2023 and replaced by SF 524)

Would eliminate the civil SOL for CSA by a counselor, therapist, school employee or adult providing training instruction, extend the civil SOL for CSA to 4 years from discovery,  and open a 3-year revival window for expired CSA claims. (SF 259).

Kansas

Eliminates the criminal SOL for CSA, trafficking, and CSAM crimes. Extends the civil SOL for CSA and CSAM to age 31 or 3 years after criminal conviction, and revives claims up to these limits. Also lifts sovereign immunity, the $500,000 damage cap, and notice of claim requirements for CSA actions against the government. (SB 317 & S. Sub for HB 2127) (Signed into Law on April 14, 2023). See CHILD USA 3/22 Testimony.

Would eliminate the criminal and civil SOL for child sexual abuse felonies and open a permanent revival window for all claims for abuse occurring on or after July 1, 1984. (HB 2169 & SB 95).

Kentucky Would  eliminate the civil SOL for childhood sexual abuse or assault claims. (HB 246).
Maine

Would eliminate  the criminal SOL for sexual assault and sexual exploitation of minors. Would eliminate the civil SOL for incest, sexual assault, and sexual exploitation of minors. (LD 1790) (Signed into Law on July 27, 2023).

Removes charitable immunity from liability for civil claims of sexual assault or exploitation of a minor. (LD 1312) (Signed into Law on June 28, 2023).

Maryland

Eliminates the civil SOL for sexual abuse of a minor and opens a permanent revival window with damage caps of $1.5 million for expired claims. (SB 686) (Signed into Law on April 11, 2023). See CHILD USA Testimony

Eliminates the civil SOL for sexual abuse of a minor and opens a 2-year revival window for all expired claims. (HB 1) (Signed into Law on April 11, 2023).

Massachusetts

Would eliminate the civil SOL for child sex abuse and open a permanent revival window for all expired claims against all types of defendants. (S 1038 & H 1614) (Joint Judiciary Comm. Hearing, Sept. 12, 2023).

Would extend the civil SOL for child and adult sexual abuse claims under Title IX to age 53. (H 1536) (Joint Judiciary Comm. Hearing, Sept. 12, 2o23).

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for rape of a child and indecent assault and battery of a child. (S 1176).

Would extend the civil SOL for trafficking to age 28. (S 1062) (Joint Judiciary Comm. Hearing, May 16, 2023).

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for rape and indecent assault and battery of a minor. (H 1536).

Would extend the criminal SOL for incest to age 28. (H 1613) (Joint Judiciary Comm. Hearing, Sept. 12, 2023).

Would extend the criminal SOL for sex trafficking to age 28. (S 1027) (Joint Judiciary Comm. Hearing, May 16, 2023).

Michigan

Would extend the civil SOL for criminal sexual conduct committed against minors and adults to age 52, 10 years from accrual, or 7 years after discovery, and open a 2-year revival window for all expired claims. Also, if the perpetrator is convicted the SOL is eliminated. (HB 4482) (Passed out of H. Criminal Justice Comm., October 31, 2023). See CHILD USA 10/31 Testimony.

Would remove the 1-year notice of claim requirement for minor victims of criminal sexual conduct claims against the State. (HB 4487) (Passed out of H. Criminal Justice Comm., October 31, 2023). See CHILD USA 10/31 Testimony.

Would remove the 3-year SOL for minor victims of criminal sexual conduct claims against the State. Prior version was applicable to criminal sexual conduct committed against minors and adults. (HB 4484) (Passed out of H. Criminal Justice Comm., October 31, 2023). See CHILD USA 10/31 Testimony.

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for second and third degree criminal sexual conduct offenses against minors and adults committed on or after the effective date. Prior version would have been applicable to crimes committed before the effective date if the SOL was not already expired. (HB 4485) (Passed out of H. Criminal Justice Comm., October 31, 2023). See CHILD USA 10/31 Testimony.

Would remove sovereign immunity for criminal sexual conduct claims against a public university, college, or school district, or their employees or agents. Prior version would have removed sovereign immunity for criminal sexual conduct claims against any governmental agency, or their employee or agent. (HB 4486) (Passed out of H. Criminal Justice Comm., October 31, 2023). See CHILD USA 10/31 Testimony.

Minnesota

Would expand the gross misdemeanor crime of surreptitious intrusion of minors and adults and extend the criminal SOL to 3 years after the crime or after reporting to police. (HF 111 & SF 294) (HF 111 Passed in House, Mar. 6, 2023).

Would eliminate the civil SOL for sexual abuse of minors and adults by a peace officer against all types of defendants and open a 5-year revival window for expired claims of sexual abuse of minors and adults against a peace officer. (HF 1136).

Mississippi

Extends the criminal SOL for conspiracy to commit CSA crimes to the SOL for the underlying crime. (SB 2337) (Signed into Law on Mar. 14, 2023).

Would eliminate the civil SOL for CSA, exploitation and trafficking of minors and persons under the disability of unsoundness of mind. (HB 81) (Failed, Jan. 31, 2023).

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for felony sexual battery of minors and adults. (SB 2134 & HB 311) (Failed, Jan. 31, 2023).

Would broaden the crime of sexual battery of a minor to include acts by a therapist with no criminal SOL. (HB 1371) (Passed in House, Feb. 2, 2023; Died in Senate, Feb. 28, 2023).

Missouri

Would eliminate the civil SOL for CSA against all defendants and open a permanent revival window for expired claims. (SB 416).

Would extend the civil SOL for sexual abuse of minors to age 41. Prior version would have extended the civil SOL for sexual abuse of minors and victims who were disabled adults at the time of abuse to age 55 and open a 2-year revival window for expired claims against all defendants. (HB 367) (Passed in House, May 5, 2023). See CHILD USA Testimony.

Would eliminate the civil SOL for childhood sexual abuse and sexual offenses against minors and adults and eliminate the criminal SOL for felony sexual offenses involving minors and adults. (HB 1139).  

Would shorten the civil SOL for personal injury claims related to child sex abuse against non-perpetrators to age 23 (age of majority, 21, plus 2 years). (HB 272, SB 117 & SB 708) (SB 117 Passed out of S Judiciary Comm., Jan. 30, 2023) (HB 272 Passed in House, April 17, 2023). 

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for felony and misdemeanor sexual offenses involving minors and adults. (SB 699).

Montana

Would eliminate the civil SOL for childhood sexual abuse claims against a perpetrator. (SB 277) (Passed in Senate, Mar. 3, 2023; H. Judiciary Comm. Hearing, Mar. 24, 2023; Failed, May 8, 2023). See CHILD USA 2/24 Testimony & 3/20 Testimony.

Adds the felony crime of child sex trafficking with no criminal SOL and a civil SOL of age 27 or 3 years from discovery. (HB 112) (Signed into Law, April 19, 2023).

Nebraska

Would eliminate the civil SOL for CSA claims against private non-perpetrator individuals and entities. (LB 174) (Judiciary Comm. Hearing, Feb. 22, 2023). See CHILD USA Testimony.

Would remove sovereign immunity for CSA and extend the SOL against the State and its political subdivisions to age 33 (age of majority, 21, plus 12 years). (LB 341) (Judiciary Comm. Hearing, Feb. 24, 2023). See CHILD USA Testimony.

Nevada Would broaden the crime of sex trafficking of children to include acts committed against adults posing as a child, with an extended SOL of age 36, or age 43 if the abuse was not reasonably discoverable by age 36. (SB 89) (Failed, April 15, 2023).
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 427) (Withdrawn, May 8, 2023).

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for human trafficking, including sex trafficking, of minors and adults. (S 1141 & A 2636).

Would extend the criminal SOL for felony criminal sexual contact and endangering child welfare from age 23 to age 28 (age of majority, 18, plus 10 years) or 2 years from discovery. (SB 1151).

New Mexico

Would eliminate the civil SOL and open a permanent revival window for expired claims against all defendants. (SB 126) (Passed out of S. Health and Public Affairs Com, Feb. 1, 2023).

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for felony human trafficking, which includes sex trafficking, of minors and adults. (HB 445) (Passed out of H. Consumer & Public Affairs Committee, Feb. 24, 2023).

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for criminal sexual penetration in the second degree and criminal sexual contact of a minor in the second degree. (SB 82).

New York

Would eliminate the criminal SOL, extend the civil SOL to age 55, remove the notice of claim requirement, and open a 1-year revival window for sex trafficking offenses committed against minors and adults. (S 349 & A 1940) (S 349 Passed in Senate, May 31, 2023) (A 1940 Passed out of Assembly Codes Comm., June 8, 2023).

Would eliminate the criminal and civil SOL for many child sexual abuse felonies and misdemeanors and open a permanent revival window for expired claims. (A 1854).

Would eliminate the criminal and civil SOL for many child sexual abuse crimes. (A 5429). 

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for all sex offenses against minors and for hindering the prosecution of sex offenses against minors, incest and use of a child in a sexual performance. Would add criminal liability for endangering welfare of a child in the 1st degree, concealing or hindering discovery of child sex abuse or evidence, and broaden criminal liability for non-profits for child sex abuse. Would also open a 3-year revival window for all expired claims, including those governed by an SOL of another jurisdiction, with a provision barring confidential settlements. Would extend the civil SOL where a child sex abuse victim has died from 3 years after death with an upper limit of age 21, to 6 years after death, but no later than age 24. (A 3637).

Would extend the criminal SOL for some CSA crimes to age 33. (S 2910) (Passed out of S. Codes Comm., May 1, 2023).

Would eliminate criminal SOLs for some CSA crimes and eliminate civil SOLs for some CSA offenses. (S 6099). 

North Dakota Extends the civil SOL for CSA for minors abused while under age 15, to age 36, and for minors abused at age 15 or older, to 21 years after the abuse. Also, makes the SOL applicable to state entities and exempts CSA claims from the notice of claim requirement. Prior version would have opened a 2-year revival window for CSA and ASA, including against public schools. (SB 2282) (Signed into Law on April 12, 2023). See CHILD USA Testimony.
Ohio

Revives the civil SOL for 5 years for CSA claims against a bankruptcy estate of an organization chartered under federal law, i.e. the Boy Scouts of America. (HB 35) (Signed into Law on October 12, 2023). See CHILD USA 6/20 Testimony.

Would extend  the civil SOL for physician sexual abuse and sexual battery offenses to age 30. (SB 109) (S. Judiciary Comm. Hearing, September 20, 2023). 

Would extend the criminal SOL for failure to report CSA to age 22. Would add the crime of grooming and set the SOL for felony grooming at age 24 and misdemeanor grooming at age 22. (HB 322) (H. Civil Justice. Comm. Hearing, Dec. 5, 2023). See CHILD USA 12/4 Testimony.

Oklahoma

Amended bill relating to sexual assault nurse would eliminate the criminal SOL for all felony sex crimes against children and adults, including CSAM and trafficking. (SB 993) (Amended in S. Conf. Comm., May 22, 2023).

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for sex trafficking of minors and adults and extend DNA tolling of the criminal SOL from 3 to 12 years after DNA identification. (SB 294). 

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for all felony sex crimes against children, including CSAM and trafficking, and extend the DNA discovery rule for other crimes to 12 years after identification. (SB 716 & SB 1093).

Would extend the civil SOL for childhood sexual abuse or exploitation claims against employers and legal entities from age 20 to age 23. (HB 1539) (Passed in House, Mar. 6, 2023).

Oregon

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for all CSA felonies and misdemeanors. (HB 2302) (Died in commitee, June 25, 2023).

Would  eliminate the criminal SOL for rape, sodomy, unlawful sexual penetration and sexual abuse of minors and adults if defendant is identified by DNA evidence. (HB 3345) (H. Judiciary Comm. Hearing, Mar. 13, 2023; Died in committee, June 25, 2023).

Would extend the criminal SOL for first degree sex crimes to 20 years after commission of crime or, for minor victim, any time before victim attains 30 years of age, whichever occurs later. (HB 3632) (Signed into Law on July 13, 2023).

Adds the crime of sexual assault by fraudulent representation and sets the criminal SOL at 6 years after discovery of the criminal nature of the conduct. (SB 974) (Signed into Law on June 7, 2023).

Extends the civil SOL for sex trafficking of minors to the later of age 28 or 10 years after the trafficking ends. (SB 1052) (Signed into Law on June 12, 2023).

Would extend the criminal SOL for CSA crimes to the later of 20 years from the offense or age 30. (SB 986) (Died in committee, June 25, 2023).

Pennsylvania

House amended a resolution to propose a single amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution to add a 2-year revival window for victims of child sex abuse and explicitly lift sovereign immunity for actions against the government. Prior Senate version of the resolution proposed the same amendment alongside 2 others. (SB 1) (Passed in Senate, Jan. 11, 2023; Amended Bill Passed in House, May 22, 2023). See CHILD USA 1/20 Testimony & 3/29 Testimony.

A resolution proposing an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution to add a 2-year revival window for victims of child sex abuse and explicitly lift sovereign immunity for actions against the government. (HB 1) (Passed in House, April 25, 2023). See CHILD USA 3/29 Testimony.

Would open a 2-year revival window for expired claims of sexual abuse of minors. Would also retroactively remove sovereign and government immunity for civil child sex abuse claims. (HB 2) (Passed in House, March 7, 2023).

Would eliminate the civil SOL for sexual abuse of minors and adults and open a 2-year window for all expired sexual abuse claims. Would also prohibits non-disclosure agreements for sexual abuse unless a victim requests it. (SB 578).

Rhode Island

Would eliminate the civil SOL for childhood sexual abuse and open a permanent revival window for all expired claims against all defendants. (H 5510 & S 817) (H 5510 H. Judiciary Comm. Hearing, Mar. 16, 2023).

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for second degree sexual assault of minors and adults and extend  the criminal SOL for third degree sexual assault of minors and adults from 3 to 10 years from the offense. (H 5911) (Passed in House, May 4, 2023).

Would extend the criminal SOL for second degree sexual assault of minors and adults from 3 to 10 years from the offense. (H 5570) (H. Judiciary Comm. Hearing, Mar. 16, 2023).

South Carolina Would extend the civil SOL to age 55 or 5 years from discovery and open a 1-year revival window against all types of defendants, including the government. (SB 84).
South Dakota Broadens the crime of fourth-degree rape to include rape without consent, with an SOL of the later of age 25 or 7 years from the offense. (SB 91) (Signed into Law on March 20, 2023).
Tennessee Would eliminate the civil SOL for child sexual abuse occurring on or after July 1, 2023. (SB 178 & HB 570) (HB 570 H. Civil Justice Subcomm. Hearing, Mar. 21, 2023). See CHILD USA 3/13 Testimony.
Texas

Would eliminate the civil SOL for child sex abuse and trafficking and open a permanent revival window for expired claims. (HB 206 & SB 751).

Would eliminate the civil SOL for child sex abuse and trafficking claims accruing on/after Sept. 1, 2023. (HB 3533).

Extends the criminal SOL for sexual performance by a 17-year-old child to age 38 (age 18 plus 20 years), and possession or promotion of CSAM to 7 years from the offense. (HB 1769) (Signed into Law on June 9, 2023).

Would extend the criminal SOL for possession or promotion of child pornography to 7 years from the offense. (SB 2148 & HB 1624).

Adds the felony offense of sexual grooming and sets the criminal SOL at 3 years from the offense. (SB 1527 & HB 3451) (SB 1527 Signed into Law on May 19, 2023) (HB 3451 Passed out of H. Homeland Security Comm., April 13, 2023).

Would shorten the civil SOL to age 33 for child sexual abuse claims against non-perpetrators who comply with certain child protection safeguards and raise the burden of proof for survivors’ claims to clear and convincing evidence. (HB 4601).

Utah

A joint resolution to amend the Utah Constitution to give the Legislature power to revive expired child sexual abuse claims against individuals. (H.J.R. 7) (Passed out of H. Judiciary Comm., Jan. 31, 2023; Failed, Mar. 3, 2023).

Would eliminate the criminal SOL for felony and misdemeanor child sexual abuse crimes, including trafficking, and eliminate the civil SOL  against perpetrators of child sexual abuse and against family members or those living in the same home that failed to report or prevent the abuse. (HB 333) (Failed Mar. 3, 2023).

Washington

Would eliminate the civil SOL for child sex abuse and open a permanent revival window for expired claims. (HB 1618) (Passed in House, Mar. 2, 2023; Passed out. of S. Law & Justice Comm., Mar. 22, 2023; S. Ways & Means Comm. Hearing, Mar. 30, 2023). See CHILD USA 2/3 Testimony, 2/14 Testimony, 3/17 Testimony, & 3/29 Testimony.

Extends the criminal SOL for felony sex offenses by extending when the SOL begins to run from 2 to 4 years from identification of perpetrator by DNA, regardless of victim’s age. (HB 1028) (Signed into Law on May 1, 2023). See CHILD USA 1/9 Testimony, 3/10 Testimony, & 3/29 Testimony.

Wisconsin Would extend the civil SOL for sexual contact with a child to age 45 . (SB 302) (S. Mental Health, Substance Abuse Prevention, Children and Families Comm. Hearing, November 1, 2023).
Federal Government

Would remove section 230 immunity for online platforms and app stores for sexual abuse or exploitation of children by intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or negligently promoting or facilitating online child sexual exploitation, and permit civil claims with no SOL. (S. 1199 STOP CSAM Act of 2023) (Passed out of S. Judiciary Comm., May 11, 2023).

Would remove Section 230 immunity for internet providers if they violate state or federal CSAM laws, and permit civil claims against providers with no SOL. (HR 2732 & S. 1207 EARN IT Act of 2023) (S. 1207 Passed out of S. Judiciary Comm., May 15, 2023

Would incentivize states to eliminate criminal and civil SOLs for child sex abuse and revive time-barred civil claims. (HR 2920 Statutes of Limitation for Child Sexual Abuse Reform Act).

Total Thirty-Eight (38) States & the Federal Government are Considering SOL Reform in 2023

 

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 44 states, federal government and d.c.
Alabama None for victims abused when they were under 16
Alaska None for victims abused when they were under 18 (felony charge)
Arizona None for victims abused when they were under 15 or under 18 if the abuser is a parent, guardian, teacher or priest or for child sex trafficking
Arkansas None (as of 2013)
California None for felony sex offenses
Colorado None for felony child sexual offenses
Connecticut None for class A felonies and for any offense involving sexual abuse, sexual exploitation or sexual assault of a minor, including risk of injury involving intimate contact with a victim under age 16.
Delaware None
Florida None for felony sexual battery of minors (defined by Fla. Stat. § 794.011)
Georgia None for (1) trafficking a person for sexual servitude; (2) cruelty to children in the first degree; (3) rape; (4) aggravated sodomy; (5) child molestation or aggravated child molestation; (6) enticing a child for indecent purposes; or (7) incest.
Hawaii None for 1st and 2nd degree sexual assault, and continuous sexual assault of a minor under 14
Idaho Elimination for felony sex abuse and lewd conduct with a child.
Illinois None for felonies and misdemeanors
Indiana None if offense committed with threats or use of deadly force (class A)
Iowa None for all child sex abuse felonies and misdemeanors.
Kansas None for rape
Kentucky None for felonies
Louisiana None for prosecutions of crimes for that are punishable by death or life imprisonment, including aggravated rape and forcible rape
Maine None for victim under 16 for felony and misdemeanor incest; unlawful sexual contact; sexual abuse of a minor; rape or gross sexual assault, formerly denominated as gross sexual misconduct.
Maryland None for felonies
Massachusetts None where victim under 16 (after +27 years DNA or other corroborating evidence needed)
Michigan None 1st degree crimes.
Minnesota None for the following felonies: solicitation, inducement, and promotion of prostitution, sex trafficking, and criminal sexual conduct in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th degrees.
Mississippi None if (1) victim was abused during ages 14-16 and offender is 3 years older; (2) victim was abused under 14 and offender 2 years older; (3) victim was abused under 18 and abuser is in a position of authority or trust; or (4) involving touching or handling of children for lustful purposes
Missouri Murder, forcible rape, attempted forcible rape, forcible sodomy, attempted forcible sodomy, or any class A felony
Montana None
Nebraska None for felony 1st or 2nd degree sexual assault, or misdemeanor 3rd degree sexual assault when victim was abused under the age of 16, felony incest, sex trafficking of a minor and child pornography.
New Jersey None for sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault
New Mexico None for 1st degree felonies
New York None for 1st degree felonies
North Carolina None
Pennsylvania None for felony trafficking, sexual servitude, rape, statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, sexual assault, institutional sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault and incest.
Rhode Island None for 1st degree sexual assault, and 1st and 2nd degree child molestation
South Carolina None
South Dakota None for class A, B, and C felonies; all child rape & forcible rape
Tennessee None for child sex abuse felonies and misdemeanors
Texas None for most sex crimes against young children
Utah None for rape of a child, object rape of a child, sodomy on a child, sexual abuse of a child, aggravated sexual abuse of a child, human trafficking of a child
Vermont None for aggravated sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a minor
Virginia None for felonies
Washington None for felony rape, sexual misconduct, child molestation, and sexual exploitation of a minor
West Virginia None for sexual assault, 1st degree sexual abuse, sexual abuse by parent, guardian, custodian, or person in a position of trust to child
Wisconsin None for 1st degree sexual assault, or repeated class A or B felony offenses against the same child
Wyoming None
Washington D.C. None for felony sexual abuse, child sexual abuse, sexual abuse of a minor, and incest.
Federal Government None
Total Forty-four (44) States, Federal Government and Washington D.C. Eliminated Criminal SOLs

 

 

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

click here for summary of civil sol elimination laws in 18 states, federal government and 2 Territories
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 against perpetrators arising after the effective dates and to non-expired claims arising before. (Alaska Stat. Ann. § 09.10.065).
Arizona None for action based on sex trafficking of minors and adults (as of 2021).  (AZ ST § 12-721).
Arkansas None for sexual abuse of minors and adults with disabilities. (SB 204).
California None for CSA claims arising on and after January 1, 2024. (AB 452). 
Colorado None for sexual assault of minors and adults.  Applies to claims against all defendants arising after the effective date and to non-expired claims arising before (as of 2021). (SB21-073, 73rd General Assembly, 1st Reg. Sess. (2021)). Also, none for new cause of action for sexual misconduct with minors. Applies to claims against perpetrators, private institutions, and government for abuse in 2022 or later (as of 2022). (SB21-088, 73rd General Assembly, 1st Reg. Sess. (2021)).
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 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).
Guam None for action based on child sexual abuse. Effective as of September 23, 2016 and it is fully retroactive, applying to call claims arising before on or after that date. (GU ST T. 7, § 11301.1).
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).
Louisiana None for actions based on sexual abuse of a minor. Effective June 14, 2021 and applies to non-expired claims arising before that date. (2021 La. Sess. Law Serv. Act 322 (H.B. 492)).
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 ST T. 14 § 752-C).
Maryland None for sexual abuse of a minor.  (HB 1 & SB 686
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)). None for claims against a perpetrator or someone criminally liable for sexual abuse or exploitation of a minor (including trafficking, prostitution, and pornography) and a promoter, possessor, or viewer of CSAM (child sexual abuse material). Effective as of June 2, 2021, and it is fully retroactive, applying to all claims arising before on or after that date. (2021 Nevada Laws Ch. 288 (S.B. 203)).
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).
Northern Mariana Islands None for action based on child sexual abuse. Effective as of November 10, 2021, and it is fully retroactive, applying to call claims arising before on or after that date.  (2021 N.M.I. Pub. L. No. 22-12 (HB 22-2, SDI)).
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).
Federal Government None for offenses against minors, including child sex abuse, sex trafficking, exploitation, and CSAM. Effective September 16, 2022 and also applies to non-expired claims arising before that date. (S 3103 Eliminating Limits to Justice for Child Sex Abuse Victims Act of 2022).
Total  Eighteen (18) States, Federal Government, and Two (2) Territories Eliminated Civil SOLs
2020 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 27 states and 3 Territories
Arizona (2019-20) 19-month window opened on May 27, 2019 for expired claims against perpetrators, private organizations and government and closed on December 31, 2020 – closed. Also revived SOL up to age 30. (AZ ST § 12-514; H.B. 2466, 54th Leg., 1st Reg. Sess. (Ariz. 2019)).
Arkansas

(2022-23) 2-year window opened February 1, 2022 for expired claims against perpetrators, private organizations and government – closed early on July 31, 2023. (ARK. CODE ANN. § 16-118-118).

(2024-26) 2-year window opens on February 1, 2024 for expired claims against perpetrators, private organizations and government – opening soon. (SB 204).

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. (Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 340.1).

Colorado* (2022-25) 3-year window opened on January 1, 2022 for claims of abuse occurring from 1960-2021 against perpetrators, private organizations and government, subject to damages caps – open.  Colorado’s new cause of action is not a revival law, but it is included in this section because it opens a window to justice for many survivors whose common law claims have expired. (SB21-088, 73rd General Assembly, 1st Reg. Sess. (2021)).
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

(2011) 2-year window revived SOL against their abusers – closed. (7 G.C.A. § 11306(2)).

(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 – closed. (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-1.8).

(2014-16) Extended original window for another 2 years and expanded to include claims against the government – closed. (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-1.8).

(2018-20) Extended window was open until April 24, 2020 – closed. (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-1.8).

Kansas (2023) Revives SOL up to age 31 or 3 years after criminal conviction.  (S. Sub for HB 2127).
Kentucky (2021) Revives SOL up to 5 years after the date the SOL expired. (2021 Kentucky Laws Ch. 89 (HB 472)).
Louisiana (2021) 3-year window revives SOL against any party – open. (2021 La. Sess. Law Serv. Act 322 (H.B. 492)).
Maine (2021) Permanently revives all expired claims against any party – open. (ME ST T. 14 § 752-C).
Maryland (2023)  Permanently revives all expired claims against any party – open. (HB 1 & SB 686).
Massachusetts (2014) Revives SOL up to age 53 against perpetrators only. (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, § 4C; 2014 Mass. Legis. Serv. Ch. 145 (H.B. 4126)).
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).
Nevada (2021) Permanently revives all expired claims against perpetrators or persons criminally liable for sexual abuse or exploitation of a minor (including trafficking, prostitution, and pornography) and promoters, possessors, or viewers of CSAM (child sexual abuse material) – open. Also, revives SOL up to age 38 for sexual abuse or exploitation of a minor against other defendants, with treble damages recoverable for participating in or covering up the abuse. (2021 Nevada Laws Ch. 288 (S.B. 203)).
New Jersey (2019-21) 2-year window opened on December 1, 2019 for expired claims against perpetrators, private organizations and government – closed. Window applies to child sex abuse victims and those sexually assaulted as adults. Also revives SOL up to age 55. (2019 NJ Sess. Law Serv. Ch. 120 (SENATE 477)).
New York

(2019-20) 1-year window opened on August 14, 2019 for expired claims against perpetrators, private organizations and government – closed. (2019 Sess. Law News of N.Y. Ch. 11 (S. 2440)).

(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. (N.Y. C.P.L.R. 214-g; S.B. 7082, 2020 Leg., Reg. Sess. (N.Y. 2020)).

(2023-25) 2-Year window for expired gender-motivated violence, including CSA and sexual assault claims, will open on March 1, 2023 against all types of defendants for abuse that occurred in New York City—Manhattan,  Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. (Am. L.L. 2022/021, eff. 1/9/2022).

North Carolina (2020-21) 2-year window opened on January 1, 2020 for expired civil claims – closed. (2019 North Carolina Laws S.L. 2019-245 (S.B. 199)).
Northern Mariana Islands (2021) Permanently revives all expired claims against perpetrators, private organizations and government – open. (2021 N.M.I. Pub. L. No. 22-12 (HB 22-2, SDI)).
Ohio (2023) 5-year window opened on October 12, 2023 for expired claims against the bankruptcy estate of the Boy Scouts of America. (HB 35). 
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).
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. (Utah Code Ann. § 78B-2-308).
Vermont (2019) Permanently revives all expired claims against perpetrators, private organizations and government – open. (VT. STAT. ANN TIT. 12, § 522).
West Virginia (2020) Revives SOL up to age 36 against perpetrators and private organizations. (W.V. Code §55-2-15).
Washington D.C. (2019-21) 2-year window opened on May 3, 2019 for expired claims against perpetrators and entities – closed. 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. (D.C. Code § 12-301).
Total Twenty-Seven (27) States and Three (3) Territories Revived Expired Civil SOLs