SPONSOR: Seitz
This bill amends Section 537.046, RSMo, to add to the definition of "childhood sexual abuse" the offenses of rape in the second degree, sodomy in the second degree, sexual abuse in the second degree, sexual trafficking of a child in the first degree, sexual trafficking of a child in the second degree, sexual exploitation of a minor, and child used in a sexual performance.
Currently, a person may file a cause of action to recover damages from injury or illness caused by childhood sexual abuse. This bill also allows a person to file a cause of action to recover damages from injury or illness caused by tortious conduct that caused the victim to be a victim of childhood sexual abuse. Under this bill, either of these actions must be brought within 20 years, increased from 10 years, of the plaintiff reaching the age of 21 or within three years of the date the plaintiff discovers or reasonably should have discovered that the injury or illness was caused by childhood sexual abuse, whichever is later.
The provisions of this section will apply to any action commenced on or after August 28, 2025.
This bill is similar to HB 1617 (2024) and HCS HB 367 (2023).
Statutes affected: