House Bill 121 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Donna GivensRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Child sexual abuse; Legislature authorized to revive certain time-barred civil claims, constitutional amendment

Summary

HB121 would amend Alabama’s constitution to authorize reviving time-barred civil claims related to child sexual abuse and to let the Legislature set related procedures.

What This Bill Does

HB121 proposes adding Section 95.1 to the Alabama Constitution to allow a general-law process for reviving civil claims arising from child sexual abuse, even if previously blocked by time limits. It would let the Legislature establish rules on venue, confidentiality, protective orders, records handling, and the rights and defenses of parties. It would not revive criminal prosecutions or disturb final judgments or settlements.

Who It Affects

• Survivors of child sexual abuse who have civil claims that were time-barred could have those claims revived and pursued under a new general-law framework.
• Public and private individuals or entities named in revived civil claims could face renewed lawsuits and would be subject to the procedures established by the forthcoming general law.

Key Provisions

• Adds Section 95.1 to authorize the Legislature to revive civil claims arising from child sexual abuse, including claims blocked by statutes of limitations, statutes of repose, notice requirements, or other temporal bars.
• Allows the Legislature to create procedures and rules for revived claims, including venue, confidentiality, protective orders, and records handling.
• Permits retroactive revival of claims that were barred before, on, or after January 1, 2027.
• Authorizes actions against public or private individuals or entities in revived claims.
• Prohibits revival of claims that have been finally adjudicated on the merits or settled by a signed agreement with consideration paid.
• Does not disturb any final judgments.
• Does not authorize revival of criminal prosecutions or alter protections for criminal proceedings.
• Defines 'child sexual abuse' as conduct of a sexual nature directed at someone under 19 that would be punishable under Alabama criminal law, including attempts, solicitations, and non-contact exploitation.

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

Subjects

Constitutional Amendments Statewide