PRESS RELEASE: Senator Angela Paxton Files Legislation to Eliminate Civil Statute of Limitations for Child Sexual Abuse
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, February 7, 2025
Austin, TX – Senator Angela Paxton has filed Senate Joint Resolution 51 and Senate Bill 1167 aimed at eliminating the civil statute of limitations for survivors of child sexual abuse, allowing them to seek justice at any time. This legislation would ensure that survivors are no longer denied their day in court due to arbitrary deadlines and aligns civil law with the criminal justice system, which has already removed such limitations for these heinous crimes.
"Survivors of childhood sexual abuse often face lifelong trauma, and many do not come forward until decades later due to fear, shame, or suppressed memories," said Senator Paxton. "No survivor should be told that time has run out on their ability to seek justice. By eliminating the civil statute of limitations, Texas can empower survivors, hold perpetrators accountable, and help prevent future abuse."
Currently, Texas law allows survivors to file civil lawsuits only until the age of 48, even though research shows that many victims do not disclose their abuse until much later in life. This legislation would remove those restrictions and apply retroactively, ensuring that past and future survivors have access to the courts.
With this change, Texas would join 19 other states that have already taken steps to remove the civil statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases. This bill underscores Texas’ commitment to protecting its most vulnerable and providing a path to justice and healing.
"I urge my colleagues to stand with survivors and pass this critical legislation," Senator Paxton added. "Texas must lead in ensuring that every survivor has a voice and every abuser is held accountable."
The proposed legislation would go into effect on September 1, 2025, if passed by the Texas Legislature and approved by voters.
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Senator Angela Paxton is the Texas Senator for District 8. For media inquiries you may contact her Communications Director, Julia Dvorak, at 512-730-9944 or julia@dvorakco.com.
