SB18 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Commencement of actions, Scouts' Honor Bill, exception to statute of limitations for sex offense against minor, provided in actions against a bankruptcy estate

Summary

SB18 creates a temporary, retroactive exception to Alabama's statute of limitations, allowing certain civil claims for sex offenses against minors to be filed against the bankruptcy estate of a congressionally chartered organization, with a sunset in 2026.

What This Bill Does

It overrides the usual statute of limitations for civil injuries from sex offenses against individuals under 19 so that, under specific conditions, an action can be started against the bankruptcy estate of a congressionally chartered organization. The injury must arise from a sex offense described in Alabama law, and the action must be one that would otherwise be time-barred by the current statute. The claim must be connected to a bankruptcy proceeding that was initiated on February 18, 2020 and must be brought against the bankruptcy estate of the congressionally chartered organization. The provision applies retroactively to offenses occurring before the bill’s effective date and will expire on December 31, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Survivors under 19 who were harmed by a sex offense and would otherwise have a time-barred claim, if the claim is against the bankruptcy estate of a congressionally chartered organization.
• Bankruptcy estates of congressionally chartered organizations and their representatives who handle such specific claims (while other entities cannot be sued under this provision).

Key Provisions

• Notwithstanding the current statute of limitations, an action may be commenced against the bankruptcy estate of a congressionally chartered organization for injuries arising from a sex offense against a minor if the other conditions are met.
• The action must be against the bankruptcy estate and not against any other person or entity.
• The injury must involve a sex offense described in Section 15-20A-5 and the claim must be tied to a bankruptcy proceeding initiated on February 18, 2020.
• The act applies retroactively to offenses that occurred before the act’s effective date.
• The provision is scheduled to expire and be repealed on December 31, 2026, and the act becomes effective immediately.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes & Offenses