California has opened a new legal path for adult survivors of sexual assault who may have previously been told it was too late to file a civil lawsuit. Assembly Bill 250 (AB-250), also known as the Justice for Survivors of Sexual Assault Act, took effect January 1, 2026, and created a temporary 2-year revival window for claims that had already expired under California’s previous statute of limitations.
Survivors can file claims through December 31, 2027. Learn what changed about the sexual assault statute of limitations in California and who may qualify for a sexual assault lawsuit. If you think you may be eligible, Her Case Matters may be able to help.
Reach out today to learn more.
What Is Assembly Bill 250 and What Does It Mean for Sexual Assault Survivors?
California’s AB-250 gives certain adult survivors of sexual assault a new opportunity to pursue civil claims that had already expired under the state’s previous statute of limitations.
The temporary statute of limitations for California sexual assault claims took effect January 1, 2026, and runs through December 31, 2027.
Key points about the new statute of limitations include:
- Who it applies to: Survivors who were 18 or older when they were sexually assaulted
- What it does: Revives civil claims that were already barred because the previous statute of limitations expired
- When survivors can file: Now through December 31, 2027
- Who may be held responsible: The alleged perpetrator and institutions that are legally responsible and tried to cover up the sexual assault
- Types of private entities: Depending on the circumstances, these may include private employers, schools, health care organizations, and religious institutions
- Important limitation: AB-250’s revival provision does not revive claims against public or government entities
For survivors whose claims were previously considered too old to pursue, AB-250 can provide a second chance to seek compensation and accountability.
The opportunity is temporary, however, and eligibility depends on the specific circumstances of the assault, the parties involved, and whether the claim was already resolved.
What Was the Previous Statute of Limitations for Sexual Assault in California?
Before California’s current law reopened the window, the statute of limitations for adult sexual assault claims was generally 10 years from the date of the assault or 3 years from the date a survivor discovered an injury or illness resulting from the assault.
As a result, some survivors whose assaults happened years or decades ago lost the ability to file a civil claim because the deadline had already expired. The prior rules could be difficult for survivors whose fear, shame, trauma, or resulting injuries prevented them from speaking about their assault until years later.
What Survivors Should Know About Filing Sexual Assault Lawsuits During the Lookback Window
AB-250 can give adult survivors another opportunity to file a sexual assault lawsuit that was previously time-barred. However, the new California sexual assault statute of limitations only applies to abuse that occurred when the survivor was 18 or older.
Here are other crucial factors you should know about the lookback window:
- There’s a 2027 filing deadline: Eligible revived claims can be filed through December 31, 2027.
- Older civil claims may qualify: The law can revive claims that would otherwise have been barred because the statute of limitations expired.
- Claims against perpetrators may qualify: Survivors may be able to pursue civil claims against the person who committed the assault.
- Claims against private entities may qualify: Some institutions can be sued when they are legally responsible and engaged in or attempted to cover up a sexual assault or allegation of sexual assault.
- Public entities are excluded: The revival provision does not apply to claims against government or other public entities.
- Some claims remain excluded: Claims cannot be revived if they were already resolved through a final court judgment or written settlement before January 1, 2026.
Whether a particular survivor qualifies depends on factors including when the assault occurred, who may be legally responsible, and whether the claim was previously resolved. Given how the updated California statute of limitations for sexual assault only lasts through 2027, survivors should explore their options now.
What Does the New California Lookback Window Mean for Child Abuse Survivors?
AB-250’s 2026 revival window is specifically focused on claims involving sexual assault that occurred when the plaintiff was 18 or older.
Survivors of childhood sexual abuse are not affected by this particular law. Their eligibility depends on the date of the abuse or discovery of its effects.
If the abuse happened before January 1, 2024, survivors have 22 years from the day they turn 18 or 5 years from the date of discovery to file a child sexual abuse lawsuit in California. If the abuse happened after 2024 began, there’s no deadline due to Assembly Bill 452.
Which Types of Sexual Assault Cases Are Affected by AB-250?
The updated California statute of limitations on sexual assault applies to certain adult sexual abuse claims that would otherwise have expired before January 1, 2026.
The law can apply to claims involving the person who committed the assault as well as qualifying private entities or organizations that may be legally responsible and participated in a cover-up or attempted cover-up.
Examples of sexual abuse cases that may fall within AB-250 include:
- Cases in which an institution or its representatives allegedly concealed evidence or allegations of sexual assault
- Cases involving nondisclosure or confidentiality agreements allegedly used to prevent information about an assault from becoming public
- Individual perpetrator
- Private corporation, association, partnership, or other private entity
- Private employer
- Private health care organization
- Religious institution or organization (including the Catholic Church, Jehovah’s Witnesses, LDS, or Mormon Church)
The law is broad in terms of the types of sexual abuse cases that can potentially be involved, but not every old sexual assault claim automatically qualifies. A survivor must meet the requirements of AB-250 and the claim must fall within the law’s revival provisions.
Claims against public entities are excluded from this particular revival window, as are claims that were already litigated to finality or resolved through a written settlement before January 1, 2026. If you still have questions, our team is here to help.
Reach out to us today to get clarity about California’s new lookback window for revived or recent sexual assault lawsuits.
Find a California Sexual Assault Lawyer Near You
If you experienced sexual assault as an adult in California, the passage of time does not necessarily mean you’ve lost your opportunity to seek justice. AB-250 may allow you to pursue a California statute of limitations civil sexual assault claim that was previously barred
Her Case Matters can help you take these steps:
- Share your story without upfront fees or commitments
- Meet with one of our partner sexual assault lawyers
- File your claim before California’s lookback window ends
- Seek a meaningful settlement
Get a free case review today or call us at (877) 640-6101 to find out whether you may have a claim under California’s new sexual assault law.
