Articles & resources

Los Angeles County's record juvenile-facility abuse settlement returns to court today as a judge weighs how far a fraud investigation can go before it delays payments owed to survivors.

A new federal lawsuit against an artificial-intelligence company tests whether existing sexual-abuse and privacy law gives families a path to sue when a chatbot is used to turn a real photo of a child into explicit fake imagery.

A new Massachusetts law lets prosecutors bring rape charges even decades later once DNA evidence identifies a suspect, and a companion measure bars adults in positions of authority from claiming a minor consented.

A bill meant to stop Child Victims Act and Adult Survivors Act cases from being tossed over exact dates and locations has stalled in Albany for a second straight session.

A legal doctrine most people have never heard of, 'vested rights,' is the reason state high courts keep reaching opposite conclusions about reviving expired abuse claims.

One bill would push the filing deadline to age 59; a second would let survivors sue a bankrupt institution's estate at any time. Neither has passed yet.

The New Jersey diocese's bankruptcy settlement, still awaiting court approval, is the direct result of a 2019 law that reopened expired abuse claims statewide.

With a Supreme Court appeal cleared and billions unlocked from escrow, the country's largest sexual abuse settlement is now paying claims through a tiered matrix.

Pennsylvania's governor renewed his push this week for a two-year filing window for childhood sexual abuse survivors, but the state remains split between two different legal routes to get there. Here is how each path works, why one already failed once, and what it means for survivors watching the clock.

Rhode Island's civil filing window for childhood sexual abuse claims has been open since the start of this month, letting survivors whose deadlines already expired take institutions to court. Here is a plain-language walkthrough of who qualifies, who can be sued, and when the window shuts again.

With its formal legislative session ending July 31, Massachusetts lawmakers are weighing a bill that would scrap the filing deadline for childhood sexual abuse civil claims entirely. Here is how that would differ from the state's current rule, and where the proposal actually stands.

More than two dozen survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse asked two senators this week to block a permanent attorney general nomination, tying their objection to how a 2025 transparency law was carried out. Here is the records-law dispute behind the fight, and what it means for survivors watching from other states.

A new federal lawsuit filed this month adds eight more people, identified only as Jane and John Does, to a long-running wave of claims that guards and staff sexually abused children held in San Diego County's juvenile halls, shelters, and detention camps. Here's what the filing says, and the state law that makes decades-old claims like these possible.

Days after a federal judge dismissed a survivor-led class action against Apple over child sexual abuse material on iCloud, a separate case brought by a state attorney general is moving forward in state court on different legal footing. The split shows survivors and advocates have more than one route to try to hold a platform accountable.

Lawmakers introduced a follow-up bill this week aimed at forcing the Department of Justice to comply with last year's records law, and one piece stands out for survivors: a legal path to obtain their own FBI interview reports and to sue the government if officials keep withholding them.

A bipartisan bill moving through the Ohio Statehouse would give adult survivors of sexual assault five years to file a civil lawsuit for damages, replacing a one-year deadline that advocates describe as among the shortest in the country. Here is what Senate Bill 421 would change, why it has support from both parties, and where it stands right now.

Assembly Bill 218 eliminated California's civil deadline for childhood sexual abuse claims and opened a lookback window that produced thousands of lawsuits against schools, counties, and other institutions. Facing billions of dollars in settlement exposure, lawmakers have quietly assigned a working group to consider changes, and county officials have floated proposals that survivor advocates say would make it harder to win full compensation.

The Stop Silencing Survivors Act would have given sexual assault survivors legal immunity for good-faith public statements about their abuse, protecting them from defamation suits filed by the person they named. Introduced for a second straight year as SB 295 and HB 465, the bill was sent to a committee work group during Maryland's 2026 session and never reached a floor vote.

The Michigan Court of Appeals reversed a lower court's dismissal of a childhood sexual abuse lawsuit against a Grand Rapids church on July 14, 2026, sending the case back for trial. The decision turns on a narrow but important question: when a state extends a filing deadline, whose claims does the new deadline actually cover?

A House member and a senator introduced the REDACT Act on July 14, 2026, after months of reporting that personal details belonging to survivors were exposed in a mass document release tied to the Epstein investigation. The bill would give survivors a legal path to sue the Department of Justice and seek damages when their private information is mishandled.

A Massachusetts bill that would eliminate the civil filing deadline for childhood sexual abuse claims has moved out of the Judiciary Committee and into the Ways and Means Committee, with the legislative session ending July 31, 2026. Here is what actually has to happen for it to become law this session, and what it would change if it does.

A federal judge dismissed a proposed class action accusing Apple of failing to stop known child sexual abuse material from circulating on iCloud, ruling the claims were barred by a federal law that shields platforms from liability for user-posted content. Two survivors brought the case; the dismissal does not decide whether Apple did anything wrong.

California's governor signed AB 2147, the Sexual Predator Accountability Act, on July 13, 2026. Once it takes effect, prosecutors will be able to bring certain sexual offense cases that span more than one county together in a single court, instead of forcing survivors through a separate proceeding in every county where an offense happened.

New Hampshire news outlets reported this week on a package of bills signed by the state's governor that includes House Bill 1651, which lets sexual assault survivors seek a civil protective order without having to prove a prior relationship with the person who assaulted them, and requires survivors be told the status of their evidence kit.

A bipartisan bill introduced in the U.S. House on April 29, 2026 would rewrite parts of federal bankruptcy law so that Chapter 11 filings can no longer pause child sexual abuse claims indefinitely or let non-bankrupt affiliates buy broad legal immunity on the cheap.

The Diocese of El Paso filed for Chapter 11 reorganization on March 6, 2026 after abuse claims tied to clergy conduct alleged in New Mexico between 1956 and 1982, illustrating how a bankruptcy filed in one state can govern claims rooted in another.

A bill before the Massachusetts Legislature, H.1829, would eliminate the statute of limitations for civil child sexual abuse claims outright, but as of March 2026 it had been sent to a study order rather than advanced, a procedural move that typically signals a bill will not pass this session.

A lawsuit filed July 7, 2026 accuses Snohomish County of failing to stop alleged sexual abuse of minors held at its juvenile detention facilities between the 1980s and 2012, a timeline that survivors were only able to bring to court because of how Washington's discovery-based statute of limitations works.

A lawsuit filed July 1, 2026 over an alleged assault at a Bergen County Boy Scout camp centers on whether the organization knew or should have known about a staff member's conduct, a reminder that New Jersey's extended filing deadlines are only part of what determines whether an institution can be held responsible.

A Florida law that took effect July 1, 2026 changes when prosecutors can charge a mandatory reporter who failed to report suspected child abuse, moving the deadline from the date of the incident to the date the failure is discovered.

A new Rhode Island law opened a two-year window on July 1, 2026, allowing survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file civil claims that had previously expired under the statute of limitations.

Colorado expanded victim rights in 2026, giving survivors new procedural protections during law enforcement interviews and court proceedings, including the right to support persons and gender selection for interviewing officers.

H.R. 2347, a bipartisan bill passed by the House in April 2026, would exempt sexual abuse survivors from paying federal income tax on settlement income from successful civil claims against their abusers.

The non-monetary terms of the $395 million settlement, including a mandatory accused clergy list, an NDA ban, and a lobbying prohibition, establish a new rights framework with implications beyond California.

The two-year civil window authorized by Senate Bill 2616 became effective July 1, 2026. Survivors of childhood sexual abuse in Rhode Island now have until June 30, 2028 to file claims that were previously time-barred.

Delaware's pending HB 75 would permanently remove the civil statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims, with no closing date. Here is a plain-language explanation of what that legal change would mean for survivor rights.

A pending Arkansas Supreme Court decision could reopen or extend a civil lookback window for previously barred childhood sexual abuse survivors. Here is what the case is about and what a favorable ruling would mean for survivor rights in Arkansas.

Survivors of boarding school sexual abuse have more civil options in 2026 than at any point in recent memory, but those options are window-based and time-limited. Here is a plain-language guide to the rights landscape.

The $395 million Archdiocese of San Francisco settlement was built on hundreds of claims made possible by California's AB2777 lookback window. That window closes December 31, 2026. Here is what it allows, who qualifies, and what the approaching deadline means.

A diocese bankruptcy does not end a survivor's civil rights, it changes the legal process through which those rights are exercised. Understanding what bankruptcy means for a potential abuse claim, and what steps preserve your options, is the starting point.

A federal bill known as Virginia's Law would eliminate the civil statute of limitations for federal sexual abuse claims, giving survivors the ability to file at any time regardless of when the abuse occurred. Here is the current status and what it would change.

Several states have open civil lookback windows allowing survivors of sexual abuse to file claims that would otherwise be time-barred. This guide explains how qualification works, which factors matter, and how to find out whether your situation qualifies.

Multiple states have open lookback windows or eliminated statutes of limitations for childhood sexual abuse civil claims. Here is a plain-language guide to what is active in 2026, which deadlines are approaching, and what the key differences between states mean for survivors evaluating their options.

The June 2026 settlement resolving 530 clergy abuse lawsuits is a direct result of a 2019 California law that abolished the statute of limitations and opened a revival window. Understanding how AB 218 works explains what made this outcome possible and what it means for other states considering similar legislation.

A bipartisan federal bill cleared the House in April 2026 that would amend the tax code so survivors of sexual abuse no longer owe federal income tax on civil settlement or judgment proceeds. Understanding what the bill does, what it does not cover, and how the current law applies is essential for survivors evaluating their legal options. This article explains the legislation in plain language.

Federal legislation advanced in the House in 2026 would establish explicit workplace rights for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault: job-protected leave, employer accommodations, access to unemployment benefits when a survivor must leave employment, and insurance discrimination protections. This article explains what those rights would look like and what protections currently exist in many states.

California's Assembly Bill 2777 gave adult survivors of sexual assault a three-year window to file civil claims that had previously been time-barred. That window opened January 1, 2023 and closes December 31, 2026 -- approximately six months from today. This article explains who qualifies, what rights the window creates, and what adult survivors in California need to know before the deadline.

A measure pending before Colorado voters would give the state legislature authority to permanently eliminate the statute of limitations for sexual abuse civil claims. If passed in November 2026, Colorado could join a small group of states where survivors face no time limit on filing. This page is general information only and is not legal advice.

Federal legislation introduced in the United States Senate in February 2026 would allow adult survivors of sexual abuse and trafficking to file civil claims with no time limit, regardless of which state the abuse occurred in. This page explains what the bill would do, why federal action matters for survivors, and what options exist while the bill works through Congress. This is general information only and is not legal advice.

Statutes of limitations for sexual abuse civil claims have changed significantly in 2026, with states adopting lookback windows, extending filing deadlines, and in some cases moving toward elimination of time limits entirely. This guide summarizes what changed, what is pending, and what survivors need to know about the current legal landscape in key states. This page is general information only and is not legal advice.

Washington State's SB 5105, effective June 11, 2026, is one of the most significant state-level expansions of survivor rights in the digital abuse context to date. It closes a major loophole in existing law, extends the statute of limitations for covered offenses from three years to ten, and establishes a legal framework that other states are watching closely. Here is what the law says and what rights it creates.

Rhode Island amended its childhood sexual abuse statutes in June 2026, creating both a temporary civil revival window and a new permanent statute of limitations. This is a plain-language explanation of what each provision means, who it covers, and how the two interact.

When an institution proposes a mass structured settlement with a unanimous consent requirement, survivors have specific legal rights that shape every step of the process. The New York Archdiocese case is a clear example of how those rights work - and what happens when they are put under pressure.

The enforceable 14-point reform package in the $395 million Archdiocese of San Francisco settlement illustrates what survivor rights advocates have argued institutional accountability must include beyond financial compensation.

Senate Bill 2616 creates enforceable civil rights for survivors of childhood sexual abuse in Rhode Island, including the right to sue institutions that covered up misconduct, but understanding exactly what those rights are is the first step.

California's new two-year revival window for adult sexual abuse survivors closes December 31, 2027. Here is a plain-language explanation of the eligibility requirements, exclusions, and steps survivors should take.

An amendment to the Gender-Motivated Violence Act creates a temporary one-year window - March 2026 through March 2027 - for NYC survivors of gender-motivated violence to file civil suits regardless of when the abuse occurred.

Lookback window laws vary significantly across states. A 2026 national review finds active windows in California and New York, pending reform in Alabama, and ongoing legislative activity in additional states.

Wisconsin Act 90, signed March 6, 2026, doubles the criminal statute of limitations for second-degree sexual assault from 10 years to 20 years. The bipartisan law also adds expanded immunity for survivors who report, requires longer sexual assault kit retention, and creates residential lease protections. This article explains what changed, what the limits of the law are, and how it fits within the broader national landscape of 2026 sexual abuse SOL reform.

Multiple Catholic dioceses across the United States are in active bankruptcy proceedings in 2026, with new settlements announced in Ogdensburg (New York), Albany (New York), and Camden (New Jersey) in recent months. Understanding what rights survivors hold within a diocese bankruptcy -- and what risks they face -- is critical for anyone navigating or considering these proceedings. This article explains the claims process, the role of the tort committee, privacy protections, and what to watch for.

Alabama lawmakers introduced HB 121 in 2026, legislation that would extend the civil statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse survivors by giving victims assaulted before age 19 up to six years after their 19th birthday to file a civil claim. As of mid-2026, the bill remains pending. Here is what the bill would change, where Alabama currently stands on SOL law, and what survivors need to know about their rights under current law while the legislation moves through the process.

House Bill 5560, introduced in the 119th Congress, would authorize the federal government to award grants to states that eliminate their criminal and civil statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse and that enact or expand revival windows for previously expired civil claims. Here is what the bill would and would not do, how it differs from purely state-level reform, and what it means for survivors tracking the national legislative landscape.

Oklahoma House Bill 4227 passed the state House unanimously in March 2026 and would do two things: eliminate the statute of limitations for criminally prosecuting child sexual abuse, and invalidate non-disclosure agreements that prevent survivors from speaking about their abuse. This is a plain-language guide to what HB 4227 would and would not change, how it fits into the national reform landscape, and what survivors' rights advocates say about why both provisions matter.

Senate and House sponsors introduced Virginia's Law in February 2026, a bipartisan bill that would eliminate the 10-year federal civil statute of limitations for adult survivors of sexual abuse and trafficking. Here is a plain-language explanation of what the bill would and would not change.

A growing number of states have banned nondisclosure agreements in child sexual abuse civil settlements, and a federal bill introduced in March 2026 would void existing NDAs nationwide. Here is a plain-language guide to what these laws do, which states have them, and what they mean for survivor rights.

Michigan Senate Bills 257-261 passed the Michigan Senate in 2026 and would open a one-year civil lookback window for survivors of childhood sexual abuse whose claims have expired. The bills have not yet passed the Michigan House. Here is a plain-language explanation of what the legislation proposes and what it would mean for rights under Michigan law.

Iowa's H.F. 1036, signed May 15, 2026, extended the civil statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse from one year to five years after the age of majority. Here is a plain-language explanation of what the law changes, who it helps, and what it does not do.

New York City's Gender-Motivated Violence Act was amended to open a one-year revival window from March 2026 through approximately March 2027. This guide explains who the law covers, how it works, and where to find official information about your rights.

California Senate Bill 832 would require survivors bringing revived child sexual abuse claims under AB 218 to present 'clear and convincing corroborating evidence,' a higher standard than civil law ordinarily demands. Child advocacy groups oppose it. Here is a plain-language explanation of what the bill proposes and why it matters.

Missouri's bill to extend the civil statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse stalled in the state Senate in spring 2026 after insurance-industry lobbying produced a legislative standoff. The episode illustrates why state-level SOL reform is often harder to achieve than it appears.

Pennsylvania is advancing two companion bills, HB 462 and HB 464, to create a two-year civil revival window for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Here is a plain-language explanation of how each bill works, why both are moving at once, and where the effort stands.

Connecticut's current law allows civil suits for sexual abuse until age 51 for recent abuse and age 48 for older cases. Advocates are pushing for a lookback window and to eliminate deadlines entirely. Here is an educational breakdown of where things stand.

From Rhode Island's new lookback window to California's adult survivor revival period, 2026 has seen meaningful changes to civil statutes of limitations for sexual abuse claims across multiple states.

Rhode Island enacted a civil lookback window for childhood sexual abuse survivors that opens July 1, 2026 and runs through June 30, 2028. This is a plain-language explanation of what the law does, who it covers, and what it does not require.

California Assembly Bill 250, effective January 1, 2026, creates a revival window for adult survivors of sexual assault. This is a plain-language explanation of what the law does, who it covers, and how it differs from earlier California lookback legislation.

The news is full of stories about states giving survivors more time to sue. Some describe real, enacted law; others describe a bill that may never pass. Here is how to tell the difference and find the facts that apply to you.

Lookback windows let survivors file claims an old deadline had already barred. In 2026 the map shifted again. Here is a plain-language guide to how these windows work and how to check your own state.

A plain-language summary of the civil statute-of-limitations changes for sexual abuse claims that moved through state legislatures in 2026, and what the key terms mean.

A lookback window is a temporary law that reopens the door for survivors whose claims had already expired. Here's how these windows work, why states create them, and why their hard deadlines matter.

Institutions, not just individuals, can be held civilly responsible when they enable or conceal abuse. This explains institutional liability and how diocesan bankruptcies and compensation funds affect survivors' claims.

Schools have a duty to protect students, and federal law adds obligations for institutions that receive federal funding. This explains duty of care, Title IX, and how civil claims against schools work.

Survivors have brought thousands of claims alleging that rideshare companies failed to screen drivers and protect riders. This explains the legal theories and the large, ongoing litigation against the platforms.

A civil claim can seek money for the real costs of abuse - from therapy and lost income to pain and suffering. This explains the categories of damages and what shapes the amount.

Many survivors believe a police report is a prerequisite to a civil case. It generally is not. Here's why a civil claim stands on its own, and how reporting choices fit in.

Filing deadlines for sexual abuse claims differ in every state and have been changing rapidly - extended, eliminated, or temporarily reopened. This is a careful, plain-language overview of the landscape and how to confirm the rule that applies to you.

Nondisclosure agreements have long been used to keep abuse settlements quiet. A wave of recent federal and state laws now limits when survivors can be required to stay silent. Here is a plain-language overview - and why the details vary.

A civil settlement resolves a claim without a trial. But how is the money divided, and does the IRS tax it? This is a general overview of how settlements work and the federal tax rules that often apply - not tax advice.

Pressing charges and filing a lawsuit are not the same thing. They are two separate tracks, run by different people, decided by different standards, and aimed at different outcomes. Understanding the difference shows you what options you actually have.