Bill Positions

Bill Number: HB 858

Bill Title: Civil Actions - Child Sexual Abuse - Statute of Limitations and Limitation of Damages

Bill Sponsor(s): Delegate Bromwell, et al.

Subject: Civil Liability

Committee: JUD

Bill Summary: This bill would extend the statute of limitations for civil actions involving child sexual abuse, and allow anyone, regardless or age or duration of time, to file such a claim by December 31, 2009 under certain circumstances.

History: None

Chamber Position: Oppose

Position Summary: This bill would effectively eliminate the concept of a statute of limits for filing child sexual abuse lawsuits for the next 18 months. This would unfairly disadvantage defendants with very old claims that would be difficult to defend. There is good reason to maintain a statute of limits, and no reason to suspend that law.

Position Statement: Coming Soon

Chamber Staff: Ronald Wineholt

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.