The bill, titled the Cindy Clemishire Act, proposes significant changes to the limitations periods for personal injury lawsuits arising from specific offenses against children or disabled individuals. It amends Section 16.003(a) of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to include new provisions that allow individuals to bring suits for personal injury at any time if the injury results from certain serious offenses, including sexual assault and trafficking. The bill specifically removes the previous requirement that such suits must be filed within 30 years of the cause of action accruing, effectively eliminating the limitations period for these types of cases.

Additionally, the bill redesignates and amends Section 16.0045, now referred to as Section 16.0046, to establish that individuals may file lawsuits for personal injury without a time limit if the injury is connected to the specified criminal conduct. The changes in law will only apply to causes of action that accrue on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. This legislation aims to provide greater access to justice for victims of serious offenses against vulnerable populations.

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