H 4539
An Act enhancing remedies for survivors of childhood sexual abuse
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Bill overview
This bill amends Massachusetts law to expand the ability of survivors of childhood sexual abuse to pursue legal action. It allows lawsuits to be filed at any time after the abuse occurred and addresses potential limitations on filing claims, particularly regarding negligent supervision or contributing factors. The bill also modifies statutes related to damages and notice requirements to ensure survivors have a reasonable timeframe to seek justice.
Key provisions
- Allows civil actions alleging sexual abuse of a minor to be filed at any time after the abuse occurred.
- Extends the ability to sue for negligent supervision contributing to a minor’s sexual abuse.
- Revives claims that were previously time-barred due to limitations on filing a notice of claim.
- Eliminates limitations on damages for claims related to sexual abuse or negligent supervision, except in cases of organizational liability.
- Modifies the timeframe for filing claims related to 20 U.S.C. §1681-1688 for sexual abuse.
- Updates statutes to include claims of sexual abuse and negligent supervision in relevant damage caps.
- Clarifies that immunity protections do not apply to claims of child sexual abuse or negligent supervision.
- Adjusts the process for reporting claims of sexual abuse and negligent supervision within the state’s legal system.
Who is affected
- Childhood sexual abuse survivors
- Parents and guardians of minors
- Schools and educational institutions
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Cosponsors
Adrianne Pusateri Ramos
Estela A. Reyes
James K. Hawkins
Jennifer Balinsky Armini
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Bill H.4539 194th (Current)
An Act enhancing remedies for survivors of childhood sexual abuse
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Joint Committee on the Judiciary Status: Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
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Bill History Cosponsors Committee Vote Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 3 actions for Bill H.4539
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 9/25/2025 | House | Reported from the committee on The Judiciary |
| 9/25/2025 | House | New draft of H1580, H1639, H1732, H1830 and H1833 |
| 9/25/2025 | House | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means |
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