The bill H. 5203 seeks to amend Section 15-3-555 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which pertains to the statute of limitations for actions based on sexual abuse or incest. The proposed amendment allows victims of childhood sexual abuse to bring claims against a bankruptcy estate at any time after the cause of action accrues, thereby removing the previous time limitations that required actions to be commenced within a specific timeframe after the victim reaches the age of twenty-one or discovers the injury.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that parental immunity cannot be used as a defense against claims of sexual abuse or incest, regardless of when the abuse occurred. It also defines "childhood sexual abuse" to include any conduct that violates specific offenses under South Carolina law, regardless of whether there has been a conviction for those offenses. This legislation aims to provide greater access to justice for victims of childhood sexual abuse by extending the time frame in which they can file claims.

Statutes affected:
02/18/2026: 15-3-555
Latest Version: 15-3-555