SB254 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Civil procedure, statute of limitations for civil actions involving certain sex offenses further provided for

Summary

SB254 expands the time available to file civil lawsuits for injuries related to certain sex offenses, especially for victims who are under 19 or mentally incapacitated, with changes taking effect on October 1, 2025.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends the tolling rules in Section 6-2-8 to allow a longer filing period for civil actions involving sex offenses when the plaintiff is under 19 or insane at accrual. It sets a specific extended period after the end of a disability for sex-offense injuries (as described in Section 15-20A-5) and caps the overall tolling so filings cannot be made later than 20 years from accrual. If both disabilities (minor and insane) exist at accrual, the limit does not begin until both are removed, and imprisoned individuals retain the right to commence actions.

Who It Affects

• Victims under 19 years old or who are insane at the time a civil claim accrues for injuries arising from certain sex offenses (they would have a longer period after their disability ends to file).
• Other claimants in civil actions involving sex offenses who are subject to disability tolling rules (including the general rule that tolling cannot exceed 20 years, and that simultaneity of disabilities delays the start of the limitation).

Key Provisions

• Amendment to Section 6-2-8 to modify how disabilities toll the statute of limitations for civil actions involving sex offenses.
• For sex-offense injuries described in Section 15-20A-5, individuals under 19 or insane at accrual have an extended period after the termination of the disability to commence the action (text states 'six 36 years').
• A disability tolling period cannot extend the limitations beyond 20 years from the time the claim accrued.
• If both the minor and insane disabilities exist at accrual, the limitation does not start until both are removed.
• The act preserves the right of imprisoned individuals to commence actions and clarifies the relevant disability rules do not deny that right.
• Effective date: October 1, 2025.

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

Subjects

Civil Procedure