SB11 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Linda Coleman-MadisonSenator
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2019
Title: Civil procedure, statute of limitations. sex offense, further provided, statute of limitations tolled until vicitim reaches age of majority
Summary: SB 11 expands the civil statute of limitations for sex-offense cases by adding a six-year window after disability ends for people under 19 or insane, while keeping a 20-year overall cap and preserving imprisoned individuals' rights to sue.
What This Bill Does
It amends Section 6-2-8 to create a six-year period after the end of a disability for individuals under 19 or insane when the injury comes from a sex offense to begin a civil action. For other cases, the existing three-year period (or the applicable shorter period) still applies, with a hard cap of 20 years from when the claim accrues. If both disabilities exist, the limit does not start until both are removed. It also preserves the right of imprisoned persons to commence actions on their own behalf.

Who It Affects
Claimants under 19 years old or insane whose civil claim involves a sex offense (they get a six-year window after their disability ends to file).
Other civil-action claimants under this section (including those under 19 or insane in non-sex-offense cases and imprisoned individuals) who are still subject to the general rules, including a 20-year cap from when the claim accrued.

Key Provisions
Adds a six-year period after termination of disability to commence a civil action if the injury arises from a sex offense described in Section 15-20A-5.
If both disabilities (age/insanity and sex offense) coexist, the limitation period does not start until both disabilities are removed.
A disability that did not exist at accrual does not suspend the limitation period unless explicitly provided.
No disability can extend the period beyond 20 years from when the claim accrued.
Preserves the right of imprisoned persons to commence actions and to appear on their behalf in such actions.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Civil Procedure