The statute of limitations for all claims for injuries suffered based on intentional conduct brought by any person for recovery of damages as a result of childhood sexual abuse is the later of the following periods:
The statute of limitations is tolled until the victim reaches the age of 18. Childhood sexual abuse means an act committed against a minor that would have been a sex offense or sexual exploitation of a minor.
The statute of limitations for injuries caused by a sexual offense, assault, or other crimes against an adult is two years. In 2019 legislation removed the statute of limitations in Washington for criminal prosecution of most sexual offenses against children.
The statute of limitations for recovery of damages as a result of childhood sexual abuse is eliminated for all intentional conduct occurring after June 6, 2024.
PRO: Survivors regularly underreport. Fewer still seek justice through the legal system, and those that do face barriers and hurdles. We need more opportunities to support victims, to show that justice is possible, and make this a strategy for prevention. Vermont, Maine, and many other states have similar laws. Delays happen for many reasons, including fear of reprisal and fear of not being taken seriously. Victims were excluded when the removal of the statute of limitations for sexual abuse in criminal cases was not applied retroactively. It's never too late to heal, even if the abuse happened a long time ago. When I was victimized I blamed myself and chose self harm and drug use. It took a long time to be ready to come forward. Due to the statute of limitations, motions to dismiss are filed for unjust reasons. Victims should be allowed to seek justice when they are ready. Reforming the statute of limitations has been bipartisan in the past. Statutes of limitations allow institutions which have long protected predators to escape legal consequences for their direct knowledge of abuse. Entities purposely hide and secure evidence to escape legal consequences, with the result of more children being abused. Holding institutions responsible will send a message to the institutions which are still concealing harm. We must believe survivors. It took me over a year to broach the topic of my abuse with a trusted therapist while I suffered anxiety and self blame. Learning of the statute of limitations added to my anxiety and distress. It is hard to tell a survivor that their timeline of healing does not fit within the law's timeline. The burden should shift from survivors to perpetrators and the institutions that protected them.
CON: We are concerned about complete abandonment of a statute of limitations. Judges and juries should be able to evaluate claims when the best evidence is available. Retroactivity creates due process issues because records have not been retained about past training practices and other relevant circumstances.
OTHER: We care about these children and victims. There is a better way to do this. In New York and California when claims were resurrected more than 10,000 claims were filed. A more efficient method is to set up a victim's compensation fund for claims made against public entities. Dumping claims into the court system causes diversion of funds to legal fees. Please extend the statute of limitations to age 26 and allow older victims to seek compensation through a compensation fund. Victims will come forward more readily if they don't have to undergo the trauma of telling their story through the court system.
PRO: Childhood sexual abuse is serious and egregious. We removed the retroactivity clause although it pains me. The bill will fundamentally change the way the state handles childhood sexual abuse. I filed a civil suit against my rapist that was thrown out due to the statute of limitations. The trauma has a high cost. The current statute is arbitrary and does not line up with what trauma looks like for a child. It took decades to be able to come forward. The passing of time does not make the crime disappear. Shame and emotions are overlooked in legal conversations. Healing should not be on a timeline dictated by the law. The purpose of the statute of limitations was to provide a broad avenue of redress, but a small group of survivors are being penalized for seeking mental health treatment before bringing their lawsuit. This bill will lead to trainings and protect kids who would be sexually abused in the future.
PRO: Representative Darya Farivar, Prime Sponsor; Pennie Saum, Christene Hansen, Skylar Schmitt, Courtney Butler, citizens; Darrell Cochran, Bridget Grotz, Washington State Association for Justice.