Child sexual abuse; statute of limitations extended and further provided for, certain time-barred civil claims revived
HB 120 extends the deadline for survivors of child sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits in Alabama. It allows claims to be filed up to 20 years after the survivor turns 19 or two years after the perpetrator's criminal conviction (whichever is later), and revives certain time-barred claims by January 1, 2029. The bill removes legal barriers like notice-of-claim requirements, damage caps, and immunity protections for claims against perpetrators or negligent organizations (e.g., schools or care facilities) that failed to prevent abuse. It applies to abuse occurring on or after October 1, 2026, and tolls the statute during criminal investigations and appeals. The bill is titled the "Hidden Predators Act" and aims to provide survivors greater access to civil justice.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 6, 2026
Last action Jan 13, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
3
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Jan 13, 2026
Lower · Passed
Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (Judiciary)
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Donna Givens
RRepublican
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