IA
Iowa Senate Bill SF524

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF524

Introduced
3/6/23  
Refer
6/5/23  
Introduced
3/6/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the statute of limitations in a civil action involving certain sexual offenses against a minor.(Formerly SSB 1194.)

Impact

The enactment of SF524 may notably impact current and future cases involving minors who have been victims of sexual offenses. By extending the timeline for filing civil actions, the bill grants victims the opportunity to pursue justice and compensation without the stringent constraints previously imposed by shorter limitation periods. The adjustments to existing laws would primarily amend provisions associated with claims following sexual abuse convictions.

Summary

Senate File 524 addresses the statute of limitations for civil actions related to specific sexual offenses against minors, including sexual abuse and lascivious acts. The bill stipulates that victims can bring forth a civil action for damages at any time following the conviction of the perpetrator. This change is significant as it provides victims with a broader timeframe to seek legal recourse once criminal justice proceedings have concluded.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill may involve discussions regarding the balance between potential victim empowerment and the rights of accused individuals in civil proceedings. Some stakeholders may argue that unlimited time frames for filing civil actions could lead to challenges concerning the fairness of potentially outdated claims. Additionally, the psychological complexities involved for victims in coming forward may lead to debates on how best to support them without compromising the legal rights of the accused.

Companion Bills

IA SSB1194

Related A bill for an act relating to the statute of limitations in a civil action involving certain sexual offenses against a minor.(See SF 524.)

Previously Filed As

IA SSB1194

A bill for an act relating to the statute of limitations in a civil action involving certain sexual offenses against a minor.(See SF 524.)

IA SF259

A bill for an act modifying the periods of time to bring certain civil actions, including by victims of sexual abuse, minors, and persons with mental illness, entitling certain cases to a preference in trial order, and including effective date provisions.

IA SF158

A bill for an act modifying the periods of time to bring certain civil actions, including by victims of sexual abuse, minors, and persons with mental illness, entitling certain cases to a preference in trial order, and including effective date provisions.

IA SF364

A bill for an act modifying the periods of time to bring certain civil actions by victims of sexual abuse and other sexual offenses that occurred when the victim was a minor, entitling certain cases to a preference in trial order, and including effective date provisions.

IA SF67

A bill for an act modifying the periods of time to bring certain civil actions, including by victims of sexual abuse, minors, and persons with mental illness, entitling certain cases to a preference in trial order, and including effective date provisions.

IA SF261

A bill for an act modifying the periods of time to bring civil actions by victims of sexual abuse.

IA SF184

A bill for an act modifying the periods of time to bring civil actions by victims of sexual abuse, human trafficking, or sexual exploitation.

IA SF2233

A bill for an act modifying the periods of time to bring civil actions by victims of sexual abuse, human trafficking, or sexual exploitation.

IA SF512

A bill for an act relating to statutes of limitations in civil actions.(Formerly SSB 1179.)

IA HF431

A bill for an act modifying the periods of time to bring civil actions by victims of sexual abuse, human trafficking, or sexual exploitation, and including effective date provisions.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.