The bill S. 148 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws regarding the statute of limitations for actions based on sexual abuse and incest. Specifically, it modifies Section 15-3-555 to extend the time frame within which individuals can file lawsuits for damages related to sexual assault, sexual abuse, or incest. Under the new provisions, individuals can initiate legal action within six years after reaching fifty-nine years of age or within eight years from the time they discover the injury and its connection to the abuse, whichever is later. Additionally, the bill allows any claims that were previously time-barred to be filed within one year of the act's effective date.

Furthermore, the bill makes conforming changes to Section 15-78-110, which outlines the general statute of limitations for actions brought under that chapter. The amendments ensure that the new timelines for sexual abuse and incest claims are consistent with existing legal frameworks. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor, reinforcing the state's commitment to providing justice for victims of sexual crimes.

Statutes affected:
12/11/2024: 15-3-555, 15-78-110
Latest Version: 15-3-555, 15-78-110