This bill, titled the "Statutes of Limitation for Child Sexual Abuse Reform Act," aims to amend the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) to encourage states to reform their laws regarding child abuse. It seeks to incentivize states to eliminate both civil and criminal statutes of limitations for cases involving child sexual abuse, exploitation, and sex trafficking. A key provision also encourages states to adopt laws that would revive previously time-barred civil claims, allowing victims more time to seek justice. To achieve these reforms, the bill authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide grants to eligible states. States can receive funding for achieving one or more specific reforms, including the elimination of all State civil statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse claims, the elimination of all State criminal statutes of limitations for related felony and misdemeanor sex crimes, and the revival of previously time-barred civil claims for a minimum period of two years or until the victim reaches age 55, whichever is longer. Funds are allocated based on the number of reforms a state implements, with $20,000,000 authorized for appropriation annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2033.
Statutes of Limitation for Child Sexual Abuse Reform Act
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Crime and Law Enforcement
Statutes of Limitation for Child Sexual Abuse Reform Act
USA119th CongressHR-5560| House
| Updated: 9/23/2025
This bill, titled the "Statutes of Limitation for Child Sexual Abuse Reform Act," aims to amend the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) to encourage states to reform their laws regarding child abuse. It seeks to incentivize states to eliminate both civil and criminal statutes of limitations for cases involving child sexual abuse, exploitation, and sex trafficking. A key provision also encourages states to adopt laws that would revive previously time-barred civil claims, allowing victims more time to seek justice. To achieve these reforms, the bill authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide grants to eligible states. States can receive funding for achieving one or more specific reforms, including the elimination of all State civil statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse claims, the elimination of all State criminal statutes of limitations for related felony and misdemeanor sex crimes, and the revival of previously time-barred civil claims for a minimum period of two years or until the victim reaches age 55, whichever is longer. Funds are allocated based on the number of reforms a state implements, with $20,000,000 authorized for appropriation annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2033.