House Bill 120 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Donna GivensRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Child sexual abuse; statute of limitations extended and further provided for, certain time-barred civil claims revived

Summary

HB120 would extend and potentially revive civil time limits for child sexual abuse claims in Alabama, and allow suits against perpetrators and responsible organizations, while changing immunity and notice requirements and adding tolling rules.

What This Bill Does

It extends the window to file a civil action for child sexual abuse to 20 years after the survivor turns 19 or is relieved from disability, or 2 years after the perpetrator's conviction, whichever is greater. If a constitutional amendment passes, it would allow revived time-barred claims to be filed by January 1, 2029 (or two years after conviction, whichever is later). It also allows suits against the alleged perpetrator or the organization that allegedly negligently prevented or responded to the abuse, and it eliminates certain notice-of-claim, damages cap, and immunity barriers for these claims. It tolls the civil deadline during criminal investigations and prosecutions, beginning when the abuse is reported to law enforcement and ending after the investigation, prosecution, appeals, and final judgment are complete.

Who It Affects

• Survivors of child sexual abuse, who would gain a longer window to sue and potential access to revived claims.
• Organizations that care for or supervise children (and public entities and their employees), who could be sued for negligent prevention or response and would face fewer immunities and procedural hurdles.

Key Provisions

• Extended civil statute of limitations for child sexual abuse to 20 years after the survivor turns 19 or is relieved from disability, or 2 years after the perpetrator's conviction, whichever is greater.
• Revival of time-barred civil claims contingent on a constitutional amendment, allowing certain survivors to file by January 1, 2029 (or two years after conviction, whichever later).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 11, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Civil Procedure