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Survivors of child sexual abuse in Tennessee will soon have more time to seek justice through civil lawsuits. On July 1, 2025, a new law, HB 973 / SB 1070, takes effect, significantly expanding the legal window for filing claims .

Under the new law, survivors can file a civil lawsuit up to 30 years after they turn 18, increasing the deadline from age 33 to age 48 . The law also adds a three-year discovery period, which allows survivors to bring claims within three years of realizing the abuse caused them harm . Lawmakers passed the bill with broad support, recognizing that many survivors delay reporting abuse due to trauma, fear, or emotional barriers. The extended deadlines only apply to abuse that occurs on or after July 1, 2025. For incidents that happened before that date, the current statute of limitations remains in place.

This change reflects a national movement to give survivors more control over when they come forward. Extending the statute of limitations helps ensure that survivors have the time they need to process their experiences and pursue justice .

Contact Us

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, understanding how these legal changes affect your rights is critical. Our firm helps survivors navigate these evolving laws with compassion and confidentiality. We are here to answer your questions and discuss your options. Contact the Michael Brady Lynch Firm today at 888-585-5970.

Date: July 1, 2025

Attorney and Editor-In-Chief: Brandon Salter

Editors: Madison Hurley

Citations:

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0973&GA=114

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0973&GA=114

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1070&ga=114

https://newschannel9.com/news/local/tennessee-legislature-passes-bill-extending-statute-of-limitations-for-child-sex-abuse