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 expands the definition of claims that can be brought against a party for damages related to sexual abuse, including allegations of negligent supervision and other forms of wrongful conduct that may have contributed to the abuse. The time limits for filing such claims are established as thirty-five years from the act causing the injury or seven years from the time the victim discovers the injury, with provisions for tolling the statute of limitations until the victim reaches eighteen years of age.

Additionally, the bill allows for the revival of previously dismissed actions due to the prior statute of limitations and establishes a deadline of June 30, 2028, for claims that would otherwise be time-barred. It also introduces a new section, 9-1-59, which addresses the severability of its provisions, ensuring that if any part of the chapter is deemed invalid, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
7200: 9-1-51