.png){kind=logo}
House passes child sexual abuse accountability bill on Third Reading
DENVER, CO– The House today passed Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet’s bill to allow victims of childhood sexual abuse to bring a legal claim against the actor who committed the misconduct or any entities involved in a coverup. The bill passed by a vote of 50-14.
“Healing has no timeline,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “Today we voted to give survivors the opportunity to tell their stories and have their day in court long after the heinous crimes have been committed against them. I’m so proud of the work we did today and am enormously grateful to the survivors who were willing to lend their voices and share their stories to help make this critical bill a reality.”
SB21-088 allows a person who was a victim of sexual misconduct that occurred when the victim was a minor to bring a civil action for damages against the actor who committed the misconduct. If the misconduct occurred at a youth organization or youth-related activity, the victim may also bring a civil claim against the managing organization of the youth program or activity.
The cause of action applies retroactively and victims whose assault occurred between January 1, 1960 and January 1, 2022 have the opportunity to bring a cause of action before January 1, 2025.
Thanks to SB21-073, also sponsored by Rep Michaelson Jenet, signed into law last month, there will be no statute of limitations for people who suffer sexual abuse beginning on or after January 1, 2022.