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HR7467119th Congress

Virginia’s Law

Sponsored By: Representative Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3]

Introduced

Summary

Creates federal civil remedies for sexual abuse and related trafficking offenses. The bill would let victims sue perpetrators and people who knowingly benefit from ventures that commit those crimes and would tighten and clarify when those suits can be filed.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Longer filing windows and venue changes

If enacted, the bill would let some trafficking and related civil claims be filed in any U.S. district court that can hear a related criminal prosecution. It would remove the time limit for certain civil trafficking suits tied to forced labor and sex trafficking offenses. The bill would apply to claims that were not already time-barred the day before enactment and to claims that arise after enactment. It would also create a one-year window after enactment to file certain previously time-barred or dismissed trafficking-related claims.

New civil claims for sexual and transport crimes

If enacted, this bill would create two new federal civil causes of action for victims of sexual abuse and transportation-related sexual crimes. You would be able to sue the perpetrator and anyone who knowingly benefited from a venture that engaged in the crime. You could file in any U.S. district court that can hear a related criminal case. A successful plaintiff would be able to recover money damages and reasonable attorneys' fees. Most claims would need to be filed by the later of 10 years after the harm or 10 years after a minor victim turns 18, while claims for certain listed offenses would have no time limit.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3]

NM • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Raskin, Jamie [D-MD-8]

    MD • D

    Sponsored 2/26/2026

  • Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10]

    VA • D

    Sponsored 2/26/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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