SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5842

As of February 25, 2003

Title: An act relating to the statute of limitations on childhood sexual abuse civil cases.

Brief Description: Revising the statute of limitations on childhood sexual abuse.

Sponsors: Senator Benton.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Judiciary: 2/27/03.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Staff: Jinnah Rose-McFadden (786-7421)

Background: There is currently a three-year statute of limitations on civil actions alleging childhood sexual abuse. Once a claimant has reached the age of 18, an action must be filed within three years: (a) of the act alleged to have caused the injury; (b) of the time the claimant discovers, or reasonably should have discovered, that the injury was caused by the act; or (c) of the time the claimant discovered that the act caused the injury. A claimant alleging continued abuse may compute the date of discovery from the date of the last act by the perpetrator.

Summary of Bill: The three-year statute of limitations on civil actions alleging childhood sexual abuse is deleted. Instead, a claim must be brought before the claimant reaches the age of 30.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.