The bill, H.B. No. 179, proposes significant changes to the Civil Practice and Remedies Code regarding the limitations periods for personal injury lawsuits arising from specific offenses against children. It amends Section 16.003(a) to include new provisions for personal injury claims, while also amending Section 16.0045(a) to extend the time frame for filing such suits to 30 years for certain offenses. Notably, it introduces a new Section 16.0046, which establishes that there is no limitations period for personal injury claims resulting from violations of specific Penal Code sections related to sexual offenses against children, including sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, continuous sexual abuse, and certain trafficking offenses.

The bill's provisions apply retroactively to causes of action that accrue before, on, or after its effective date, which is set for September 1, 2025. However, it clarifies that the changes do not affect judgments in litigation that became final before this date. This legislation aims to provide greater access to justice for victims of child-related offenses by removing time constraints on their ability to seek legal recourse.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Civil Practice and Remedies Code 16.003, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 16.0045 (Civil Practice and Remedies Code 16)