Eliminating Limits to Justice for Child Sex Abuse Victims Act of 2022

Sep 16, 2022

Summary

Gets rid of the deadline for people who were victims of certain sex crimes as children to sue the person who harmed them.

What problem does this solve?

Many victims of child sex abuse could not sue their abusers because too much time had passed. This law removes the time limit, so victims can file a lawsuit for money damages at any time.

What does this law do?

No time limit for lawsuits

Completely removes the deadline, known as the statute of limitations, for victims of certain federal child sex crimes to file a civil lawsuit.

Applies to current and future cases

Makes the new rule apply to any future cases and any past cases that had not already expired under the old time limit before this law was passed.

Who does this affect?

Victims of federal child sex crimes
Accused perpetrators of federal child sex crimes

What is the real world impact?

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Gives victims more time for justice

Allows people who were harmed as children to decide to sue when they are ready, without worrying about a deadline. This recognizes that it can take a long time to deal with such trauma.

When does this start?

This law became effective on September 16, 2022.