2 minute read
Lawmakers in Nebraska are considering a major change that could help survivors of child sexual abuse seek justice, regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred. Legislative Bill 12 (LB 12) proposes to eliminate the civil statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims entirely. If passed, survivors would have the ability to file lawsuits at any time, even decades after the abuse took place .
Right now, Nebraska law gives survivors until age 33 to file a civil claim, or within 12 years of discovering the abuse. But research shows that many survivors delay coming forward for years, often due to trauma, fear, or emotional barriers. LB 12 aims to address this by removing deadlines that can prevent survivors from holding abusers, and potentially negligent institutions, accountable .
The bill reflects a growing national trend to eliminate restrictive legal time limits for survivors of sexual abuse. Advocates argue that justice should not be denied based on how long it takes a survivor to come to terms with their experience.
LB 12 advanced through Nebraska’s Judiciary Committee earlier this year with broad support. A public hearing on the bill was held on March 26, 2025, but as of now, the legislation remains under consideration by the full Nebraska Legislature. Lawmakers have not yet scheduled a floor vote, leaving the future of the proposal uncertain for the time being .
For many survivors, this change could provide an opportunity to take legal action when they are ready, not when the law dictates. If passed, the bill would ensure survivors have more control over the legal process and the ability to seek accountability, no matter how much time has passed.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse, understanding how changing laws like LB 12 may affect your rights is critical. Our legal team is here to help survivors navigate these developments and explore potential claims with care and confidentiality. Contact the Michael Brady Lynch Firm today at 888-585-5970.
Date: July 02, 2025
Attorney and Editor-In-Chief: Brandon Salter
Editors: Madison Hurley
Citations:
https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58858
https://www.nebraskanewsservice.net/news/legislative-round-up-week-of-jan-8/article_485cbf70-d172-11ef-8920-c716929d91b1.html