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MarylandHB 13782025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Civil Actions - Child Sexual Abuse

Sponsored By: C. T. Wilson (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Civil Actions and ProceduresAdministrative AgenciesAdministrative Office of the CourtsAttorneys' FeesChild Abuse and NeglectCivil Actions -see also- Small ClaimsClaimsCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.DamagesEducation, Boards ofInsurance -see also- Health Ins; MAIF; Motor Vehicle InsLiabilityReportsRules and RegulationsSexual OffensesSovereign ImmunityStatutes of LimitationSupreme Court of MarylandTorts -see also- Libel and Slander; Med Malp; Wrongful Death

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

More access to child abuse lawsuits

Beginning June 1, 2025, the law preserves the right to sue over child sexual abuse without ordinary filing deadlines. For claims whose filing deadlines had expired before October 1, 2023, it also removes two barriers. A damages action can proceed even when the alleged victim has died before the case begins. Qualifying claims against Maryland or its agencies remain allowed on or after January 1, 2026, removing that filing cutoff.

School boards must cover abuse claims

County school boards must maintain liability coverage for claims involving abuse that happened while the claimant was a minor. Minimum coverage follows the school board liability amounts: $890,000 for covered cases filed by May 31, 2025. The amount is $400,000 for cases filed starting June 1, 2025, whose deadlines had expired before October 1, 2023. Boards that individually self-insure must meet the applicable amount and the State Insurance Commissioner’s rules.

Lower damages caps for abuse survivors

The law lowers the cap on noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering, for older child sexual abuse claims. It covers claims whose filing deadlines had expired before October 1, 2023. For cases filed by May 31, 2025, the cap is $1.5 million per claimant against one defendant. For cases filed on or after June 1, 2025, it is $700,000. Separate government liability limits and statutory exceptions also apply.

Lower public liability for abuse claims

Local governments and county school boards face filing-date-based liability limits for abuse that happened while the claimant was a minor. The amount is $890,000 per claimant for claims covered by these rules and filed by May 31, 2025. For filings starting June 1, 2025, it is $400,000 when the claim’s deadline had expired before October 1, 2023. School boards can also claim legal immunity above their insurance limits. For self-insured boards or boards in insurance pools, that defense applies above the applicable statutory amount.

Lawyer fee caps for abuse survivors

Lawyer fee limits apply to child sexual abuse cases filed on or after June 1, 2025. The abuse must have happened while the claimant was a minor; the claimant need not still be a minor. Lawyers cannot charge or receive more than 20% of a settlement or 25% of a court judgment.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • C. T. Wilson

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 225 • No: 82

Senate vote • 4/5/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 36 • No: 7

House vote • 4/5/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 91 • No: 41 • Other: 6

House vote • 4/3/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 98 • No: 34 • Other: 6

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 104

    4/22/2025

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/5/2025House

  3. Third Reading Passed (91-41)

    4/5/2025House

  4. House Concurs Senate Amendments

    4/5/2025House

  5. Third Reading Passed (36-7)

    4/5/2025Senate

  6. Motion Rules Suspend Two Readings Same Day Const/Rule 24 (Senator King) Adopted

    4/5/2025Senate

  7. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/5/2025Senate

  8. Favorable with Amendments {803223/1 Adopted

    4/5/2025Senate

  9. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings

    4/5/2025Senate

  10. Hearing 4/04 at 3:00 p.m.

    4/4/2025Senate

  11. Rereferred to Judicial Proceedings

    4/4/2025Senate

  12. Referred Rules

    4/4/2025Senate

  13. Third Reading Passed (98-34)

    4/3/2025House

  14. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/3/2025House

  15. Floor Amendment {903920/1 (Chair, Judiciary Committee) Adopted

    4/3/2025House

  16. Motion Special Order until 04/03 (Delegate Clippinger) Adopted

    4/2/2025House

  17. Favorable with Amendments {853229/1 Adopted

    4/2/2025House

  18. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judiciary

    4/2/2025House

  19. Hearing 3/26 at 3:15 p.m.

    3/26/2025House

  20. Hearing canceled

    3/26/2025House

  21. Hearing 3/26 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/20/2025House

  22. Hearing canceled

    3/7/2025House

  23. Hearing 3/11 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/27/2025House

  24. Hearing canceled

    2/27/2025House

  25. Hearing 3/06 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/24/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/22/2025

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/5/2025

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    4/3/2025

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/7/2025

    PDF

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