SF 2233: Modifying the periods of time to bring civil actions by victims of sexual abuse, human trafficking, or sexual exploitation

What it does

This bill provides that there is no time limitation to bring civil actions relating to sexual abuse, human trafficking, or exploitation of a minor regardless of the theory of liability in the action. The bill provides findings, including that current laws restricting the time period on bringing actions involving sexual abuse limit victims’ justice and that victims deserve the space and time to bring their cases when they are mentally and emotionally able; that Iowa’s laws are being used to reduce agreed on damages by organizations which admit abuse took place and that Iowa will no longer aid in these organizations’ attempts to silence victims, delay justice, or downplay damage; that the boy scouts of America bankruptcy case is an example of how current laws are limiting victims’ rights; that abolition of current statute of limitation laws for child sex abuse and creation of a revival window would allow victims to qualify for 100 percent of damages awarded; and that Iowa has one year from the effective date of the bankruptcy trust to pass this legislation, that deadline is in April 2024, and that relief is urgently needed.

Senate subcommittee · named February 7, 2024

• Sen. Jason Schultz (R) · jason.schultz@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Scott Webster (R) · scott.webster@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Janice Weiner (D) · janice.weiner@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 4 for, 1 against

For: Iowa Association for Justice; Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers; Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault; League of Women Voters of Iowa

Against: Iowa Defense Counsel Association

In plain words

1. February 6, 2024Filed in the Senate and sent to the Judiciary committee
2. February 7, 2024Senate subcommittee named: Schultz, Webster and Weiner