This bill amends Iowa law to eliminate the time limitations for bringing civil actions related to sexual abuse. Specifically, it introduces a new provision stating that no time limitation shall apply to actions for damages resulting from sexual abuse, as defined in section 709.1. Additionally, it modifies existing law regarding civil actions for damages due to sexual exploitation by counselors, therapists, or school employees, which can still be brought within five years of the last treatment or enrollment. The bill also repeals the previous four-year limitation for civil actions concerning sexual abuse against children that were not discovered until after the victim reached the age of majority.

Furthermore, the bill revives any claims that were previously barred due to expired limitations or failure to file a petition, allowing individuals to bring forth actions that were dismissed on those grounds before the bill's enactment. It clarifies that the statutes of limitations for state tort claims and tort liability of governmental subdivisions do not apply to sexual abuse actions. The bill is effective immediately upon enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 614.1, 709.15, 669.5, 670.2