Alabama House Bill HB120

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/26
• Refer: 1/13/26

Caption

Child sexual abuse; statute of limitations extended and further provided for, certain time-barred civil claims revived

Impact

The most notable impact of HB120 is its potential to reshape the landscape of civil litigation in cases of child sexual abuse in Alabama. The extended filing period would enable those who were previously barred by time limitations to seek justice and accountability for their experiences. The bill also seeks to amend existing immunity provisions, making it clear that public entities and organizations cannot claim immunity from lawsuits that arise from child sexual abuse. Advocates believe that this approach will encourage more survivors to come forward and hold offenders accountable, while simultaneously prompting organizations to implement safer practices and training to prevent such abuses in the future.

Summary

House Bill 120, officially titled the Hidden Predators Act, seeks to address the limitations faced by survivors of child sexual abuse in pursuing civil actions against their abusers. Under existing Alabama law, victims have a window of six years post their 19th birthday to file civil suits based on sexual offenses committed against them as minors. This bill proposes to extend this timeframe significantly, allowing victims to file claims up to 20 years after turning 19 or two years following the criminal conviction of the perpetrator, whichever period is longer. The bill aims to amend the provisions of Section 6-2-8 of the Code of Alabama 1975, thereby facilitating access to justice for numerous individuals who may have felt powerless under the previous constraints of the law.

Conclusion

In conclusion, HB120 represents a significant shift in the legal framework governing child sexual abuse cases in Alabama. By extending the statute of limitations and eliminating certain legal barriers, the legislation aims to empower survivors and promote accountability. However, the potential effects on state resources and public institutions remain a contentious topic amongst lawmakers and community organizations.

Contention

While supporters of HB120 laud its intent to enhance protections for children and provide justice for victims, there are concerns among some legal experts and organizations about the potential influx of lawsuits against public institutions. Critics fear that removing legal immunities may prompt a spike in litigation, which could strain public resources and impact educational and social services. Additionally, the bill's reliance on a constitutional amendment for the revival of time-barred claims presents another layer of complexity, as it depends on future legislative action, which may face pushback.