An Act extending the civil statute of limitations for child abuse

SD 88 extends the civil statute of limitations for child abuse lawsuits in Massachusetts. It allows victims to file lawsuits within 35 years of the abuse or 7 years from when they discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) psychological injury, whichever is later, with the clock not starting until the victim turns 18. The bill applies to all existing cases and covers both direct abuse (as defined in specified sections of law) and cases involving negligent supervision that contributed to abuse. This change removes time barriers for victims seeking legal action, regardless of when the abuse occurred or when a claim might have previously expired.