In 2025, California passed a law that could give many adult survivors of sexual abuse a long-awaited opportunity to seek justice, even if their legal deadline expired years or decades ago.
With the passage of Assembly Bill 250 (AB 250), the state has opened a temporary 2-year revival window allowing adults who were abused at age 18 or older to file civil lawsuits that were previously time-barred under the old statute of limitations for California sexual assault.
For survivors who were unable to come forward, particularly in cases involving institutional cover-ups, the Justice for Survivors of Sexual Assault Act may offer a rare second chance to hold abusers and the private institutions that enabled them accountable.
The revival window runs from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027. Once it closes, previously expired claims may be barred again.
At Sokolove Law, our sexual abuse lawyers are dedicated to helping survivors seek the justice and compensation they deserve. Let us fight for you — while there's still time. This may be the last chance for some survivors to pursue justice in California.
The New Sexual Assault Statute of Limitations in California
AB 250 creates a temporary, statewide revival window that allows certain adult survivors of sexual abuse to pursue civil lawsuits that were previously barred by the sexual assault statute of limitations in California.
Historically, adult survivors have had far less time to take legal action than survivors abused as children. AB 250 acknowledges that reality by reopening the filing window for a limited period — but only for specific types of claims.
During this 2-year window, eligible survivors may file lawsuits in California courts, even if the statute of limitations expired long ago.
Key Dates to Know About the California Lookback Period
- Window Opened: January 1, 2026
- Window Closes: December 31, 2027
During this period, survivors may be able to pursue civil claims against the individual who committed the abuse and private institutions legally responsible for damages and alleged to have engaged in a cover-up or attempted cover-up of prior sexual misconduct.
Private entities that may fall under this law include employers, private schools or universities, health care providers, and religious organizations.
However, AB 250 does not revive claims against public or government institutions. Different legal rules apply in those cases.
How AB 250 Changes California Sexual Assault Laws
Before AB 250, adult survivors generally had a limited period to file Calfornia civil sexual assault lawsuits. Once that deadline passed, many claims were barred and disallowed to continue.
Under California Assembly Bill 250:
- Certain previously expired adult sexual abuse claims may be filed again
- Survivors may pursue claims against individual abusers
- Survivors may also pursue claims against private institutions, when there are allegations of a qualifying cover-up
- California civil courts are temporarily reopened to hear these cases
This revival window is limited. Once it closes at the end of 2027, expired adult claims may no longer be revived, and survivors may forfeit their right to seek compensation for the harm they suffered.
Who Qualifies Under the California Lookback Window?
Unlike earlier California laws that focused on childhood sexual abuse, AB 250 is specifically designed for adults who were abused at 18 or older.
Survivors may be able to file a California sexual assault lawsuit under AB 250 if their claim would otherwise be barred by the statute of limitations, and a private institution is alleged to have engaged in a cover-up of sexual abuse.
The new statute of limitations for sexual assault in California may apply to:
- Boarding school sexual abuse
- Clergy sexual abuse
- Medical provider sexual abuse
- Nursing home sexual abuse
- Workplace sexual abuse
- And more
The California lookback window also allows survivors to pursue claims against private organizations that failed to act, including those that ignored complaints, protected known offenders, or failed to implement basic safeguards.
Why California Assembly Bill 250 Passed
California lawmakers acknowledged what survivors and trauma experts have long recognized: Many adults are not able to come forward quickly after sexual abuse, especially when the abuse involves power imbalances or institutional silence.
Survivors may delay reporting or legal action because of:
- Fear of retaliation or career consequences
- Financial or professional dependence on the abuser
- Pressure from employers or institutions to stay silent
- Not fully understanding the long-term harm until years later
- Long-term trauma or feelings of shame or fear
Authored by Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, AB 250 reflects a growing recognition that rigid legal deadlines often deny survivors meaningful access to justice.
“AB 250 gives those who’ve been silenced by intimidation, shame, or institutional cover-ups another shot at justice, because survivors deserve to be heard, believed, and supported — not ignored by the system meant to protect them.”
– Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
What California Sexual Abuse Survivors Can Do Now
Although the window just opened on January 1, 2026, survivors may benefit from acting early and contacting the California sexual abuse attorneys at Sokolove Law.
Acting quickly can help because:
- Evidence may be lost or destroyed over time
- Institutions often discard old records unless preservation steps are taken
- Many survivors are expected to file during the same 2-year period
- Witnesses may forget details as time passes
Speaking with a legal team now can help you better understand your rights, determine whether AB 250 may apply to your situation, and take informed steps while the revival window remains open.
Get Help from Our Sexual Assault Attorneys in California
At Sokolove Law, our California sexual assault attorneys are ready to help survivors seek the justice they deserve.
With over 45 years of experience, we can even the playing field for everyday people and stand up to powerful institutions on their behalf. There are no upfront costs or hourly fees to work with our sexual assault law firm in California.
If you believe AB 250 may apply to you or a loved one, don’t wait. Take the first step toward compensation and closure by reaching out to our team.
Call (800) 995-1212 right now or fill out our contact form to get started with a free case review.
