Damages: childhood sexual abuse: statute of limitations.

Existing law requires that an action for recovery of damages suffered as a result of childhood sexual abuse, as defined, be commenced within 8 years of the date the plaintiff attains the age of majority or within 3 years of the date the plaintiff discovers or reasonably should have discovered that psychological injury or illness occurring after the age of majority was caused by sexual abuse, whichever occurs later. Existing law provides that certain actions may be commenced on and after the plaintiff's 26th birthday if specified conditions are met. This bill would establish 2 separate statute of limitations for an action for recovery of damages suffered as a result of childhood sexual abuse. An action for recovery of damages suffered as a result of childhood sexual abuse occurring prior to January 1, 2015, would be subject to the above provisions of existing law. An action involving childhood sexual abuse occurring on or after January 1, 2015, would be required to be commenced within 22 years of the date the plaintiff attains the age of majority, or within 3 years of the date the plaintiff discovers or reasonably should have discovered that psychological injury or illness occurring after the age of majority was caused by the sexual abuse, whichever period expires later. The Government Claims Act sets forth the general procedure for presentation of a claim for money or damages against local public entities. This act also enumerates excepted categories of claims, including certain claims for the recovery of damages suffered as a result of childhood sexual abuse arising out of conduct occurring on or after January 1, 2009. This bill would clarify that the same exception applies regardless of which statute of limitation is controlling.