SB 589 - Currently, a civil action for recovery of damages suffered as a result of childhood sexual abuse shall be brought within ten years after the victim reaches the age of twenty-one or within three years of the victim discovering that the injury or illness was caused by childhood sexual abuse, whichever is later. This act provides that a civil action for recovery of damages suffered as a result of childhood sexual abuse or tortious conduct that caused the victim to be a victim of childhood sexual abuse may be commenced at any time. This provision shall apply to any action commenced on or after August 28, 2025, including those that would have been barred by the application of the statute of limitations prior to August 28, 2025. Furthermore, this act modifies the actions and offenses included in the definition of "childhood sexual abuse".

This act is similar to a provision in SB 831 (2024), SB 1063 (2024), in SB 1092 (2024), SB 416 (2023), HB 367 (2023), in HB 1139 (2023), and SB 1084 (2022).

KATIE O'BRIEN

Statutes affected:
Introduced (2309S.02): 537.046

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Senate Committee Minutes:
SENATE COMMITTEE MINUTES Bill No.: SB 589
Sponsor: Hudson
Hearing Date: 3/26/2025


COMMITTEE: Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence

CHAIRMAN: Schroer

DATE REFERRED: 3/13/2025 DATE HEARING REQUESTED: 3/21/2025



STAFF:
Eric Michael
Katie O'Brien


WITNESSES GIVING INFORMATION:



WITNESSES FOR:
Elizabeth Carlock Phillips - Self
Kathryn Robb - Children's Justice Campaign
Keith Dygerb - Self
John F. Hobbs - Self
Tammy Woods - Self
Judy Jones - Self
Deborah Perkins - Self
Gracia - Self
Jennifer Roberts - Self
Tricia Workman - MO Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence
Sarah Markman - Self
Elizabeth Herder - Self
Nicole - Self


WITNESSES AGAINST:
Rich Aubuchon - MO Civil Justice Reform Coalition Inc.
Jorgen Schlemeier - American Tort Reform Association
Hampton Williams - Missouri Insurance Coalition
Luke Reed - Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Ind