AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- CAUSES OF ACTION

HB 5177, known as "Harter's Law," extends the civil statute of limitations for individuals who have suffered injuries resulting from first-degree child abuse. This bill changes the time limit for bringing a civil lawsuit from the standard three years to thirty-five years after the cause of action accrues. For a child, this thirty-five-year period does not begin until they turn eighteen years old. This policy directly affects survivors of first-degree child abuse by giving them significantly more time to pursue legal action for their injuries.