Texas House Bill HB2071

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to elimination of limitations periods for suits for personal injury arising from certain offenses against a child.

Impact

The implications of HB 2071 are significant, as it would alter how personal injury claims are handled, particularly in cases involving minors who have suffered from serious offenses. This change would mean that past victims who may have been previously barred from seeking justice due to expired limitations could now have an opportunity to come forward and file their claims. Supporters of the bill argue that this is a necessary step to protect children and encourage survivors to speak out about their experiences without the fear of time limitations preventing them from seeking legal recourse.

Summary

House Bill 2071 aims to eliminate the limitations periods for personal injury lawsuits arising from certain offenses against children, specifically those that involve sexual abuse. The bill proposes to amend the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to allow individuals to file suit for personal injuries related to defined offenses at any time. By removing the statute of limitations, the bill seeks to provide a pathway for victims of child sexual abuse to seek justice regardless of how much time has passed since the offense occurred.

Contention

However, there are notable points of contention surrounding the bill. Critics may argue that eliminating the statute of limitations could lead to challenges in defending against older allegations where evidence may have deteriorated, or memories may have faded. Concerns over potential fraudulent claims and the burden placed on courts to handle cases that could date back many years are also anticipated. Furthermore, the impact on defendants who may find themselves unfairly accused long after an incident occurred raises questions about fairness and justice in legal proceedings.