HB3329 would create a new revival window for certain civil lawsuits in Illinois involving adult victims of sex offenses or incest. Specifically, it applies to claims for physical, psychological, or other injury arising from conduct that would constitute a sex offense under the Criminal Code of 2012, or incest, when the victim was 18 years of age or older. If such a claim is already barred by the statute of limitations on the bill’s effective date, the bill would reopen it and allow a new action to be filed during a limited window beginning 6 months after the effective date and ending 18 months after that date.
The bill is framed as an amendment to the Code of Civil Procedure’s limitations article and operates notwithstanding any contrary limitations period. It is aimed at civil liability, not criminal prosecution, and would permit claims against any party alleged to have committed intentional or negligent acts or omissions connected to the abuse. The measure also indicates that prior dismissal of an action before the effective date would not necessarily prevent a revived claim from being brought under the new section.
Impact
HB3329 would add Section 13-202.4 to the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure, creating a temporary statute-of-limitations revival provision for adult survivors of sex offenses and incest. In practical terms, it would override existing limitations defenses for qualifying claims that were already time-barred as of the bill’s effective date, allowing affected plaintiffs to file new civil suits within a defined 12-month filing window. The bill could expose alleged perpetrators and potentially other liable parties to renewed civil litigation and damages claims that otherwise would have been unavailable under current law.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears to be survivor-focused and remedial in nature, with an emphasis on expanding access to civil justice for adult victims of sexual abuse. There is no recorded committee debate or vote history in the provided materials, so no formal legislative sentiment can be measured from hearings or roll calls. The caption and structure suggest the bill is intended to be supportive of survivors and to address barriers created by expired limitation periods.
Contention
The main point of contention likely concerns retroactively reviving time-barred claims, which can raise fairness, due process, and evidentiary concerns for defendants because older allegations may be harder to investigate and defend. Supporters would likely emphasize accountability and access to justice for adult survivors whose claims expired before they could file. The bill also may draw scrutiny over the breadth of covered conduct, the inclusion of both intentional and negligent acts or omissions, and the effect of reopening previously dismissed matters.
Eliminates statute of limitations for civil actions arising from sexual assault and other crimes and offenses of a sexual nature committed against a person 18 years of age or older.