Connecticut Senate Bill SB00784

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/11
• Refer: 1/25/11

Caption

An Act Concerning The Limitation Of Time For Bringing A Civil Action For Damages By A Victim Of Child Sexual Abuse.

Impact

The proposed changes in SB00784 would significantly impact the legal landscape regarding child sexual abuse cases, particularly in how victims can seek recourse through civil courts. By removing the statute of limitations, the bill would provide victims an opportunity to bring forth their claims at any time after the abuse occurs. This could encourage more individuals to come forward, particularly those who may not have felt able to do so within the previously established time limits, and may lead to an increase in civil litigation related to such cases. The implications extend to both victim empowerment and changes in how institutions may be held accountable.

Summary

SB00784 seeks to amend section 52-577d of the general statutes to eliminate the limitations on the time frame within which a victim of child sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or sexual assault can bring a civil action for damages. The bill intends to empower victims by allowing them to pursue claims regardless of when the abuse occurred, thereby removing the previous constraints that potentially hindered access to justice. The legislative intent is also to recognize the profound and lasting effects of such crimes on victims and to provide them with a more accessible route to seek redress.

Contention

Notably, the bill may face contention from various stakeholders, including institutions that could be affected by an influx of lawsuits without the protective limits of a statute of limitations. Supporters of the bill argue that the past limitations have favored institutions that allowed abuse to occur, while opponents may express concerns about fairness to defendants in terms of their ability to contest claims that are decades old. The discussion surrounding SB00784 highlights the balance between ensuring justice for victims and considering the rights of defendants who may face claims after significant time has passed.