The bill amends Section 9-1-51 of the General Laws regarding the limitation on actions based on sexual abuse or exploitation of a child. It introduces new legal language that expands the definition of claims related to sexual abuse, allowing individuals to bring forth actions not only against perpetrators but also against parties accused of negligent supervision or contributing to the abuse.

The time limits for filing such claims are established as follows: thirty-five years from the act or acts that caused the injury, or seven years from the time the victim discovered or reasonably should have discovered that the injury was caused by the act. Additionally, the time limit for a child to commence an action is tolled until the child reaches eighteen years of age.

The bill also allows for the revival of previously dismissed actions solely due to the previous statute of limitations for child sexual abuse. It establishes a deadline of June 30, 2027, for claims that would otherwise be time-barred due to an applicable statute of limitations.

Furthermore, the bill includes a new section on severability, stating that if any provision of this chapter or its application to any person or circumstances is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this chapter, which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.

The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
5909: 9-1-51
5909  SUB A: 9-1-51