Sacramento, Calif., Jan 2, 2020 / 10:00 am
A three-year window opened in California Wednesday, allowing lawsuits over childhood sexual abuse that would normally be impeded by the state's statute of limitations.
The window was created when California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed AB 218 into law in October. In addition to the window, the bill also permanently adjusted the state's statute of limitations for civil suits regarding childhood sexual abuse.
Previously, a person had until the age of 26, or three years after discovering damages from sexual abuse, to file a claim. The state now allows plaintiffs to file lawsuits until the age of 40, or five years after discovering damage.
The California Catholic Conference said in a statement released at the bill's signing that the state's bishops hoped AB 218 would be a positive step for increased healing of all survivors of child sexual abuse.