81R8430 CAE-D By: Martinez Fischer H.B. No. 1984 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the statute of limitations in a civil suit for sexual assault. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. The heading to Section 16.0045, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 16.0045. 10-YEAR [FIVE-YEAR] LIMITATIONS PERIOD. SECTION 2. Section 16.0045(a), Civil Practice and Remedies Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) A person must bring suit for personal injury not later than 10 [five] years after the day the cause of action accrues if the injury arises as a result of conduct that violates: (1) Section 22.011, Penal Code (sexual assault); (2) Section 22.021, Penal Code (aggravated sexual assault); or (3) Section 21.02, Penal Code (continuous sexual abuse of young child or children). SECTION 3. The change in law made by this Act applies only to a cause of action that accrues on or after the effective date of this Act. A cause of action that accrues before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect immediately before the effective date of this Act, and that law is continued in effect for that purpose. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.