What Is HB 75 and Why It Matters
In late June 2025, the Delaware House of Representatives passed House Bill 75 unanimously (40–0) with one vacancy, sending it to the Senate Judiciary Committee. This bill would amend Title 10 of the Delaware Code to remove all civil statutes of limitation for claims of childhood sexual abuse, effectively allowing survivors to file lawsuits at any time, regardless of when the abuse occurred. Creating a permanent retroactive window. Giving a path to justice for thousands of survivors.
Delaware has been a leader for survivors in the past. In 2007, it abolished the statute of limitation for civil cases prospectively in the Child Victims’ Act, and opened a two‑year window for retroactive civil claims. Though Delaware’s Supreme Court upheld that law in Sheehan v. Oblates, many survivors, especially very young children at the time still could not file within that timeframe. HB 75 would erase these arbitrary time barriers once and for all.
The Urgency Behind It
- Delayed Disclosure Is Common: Research shows survivors often wait 20 years or longer to come forward especially when abuse occurred within institutions.
- Institutional Cover-Up: Without accountability, institutions may evade responsibility and survivors are denied validation, closure, and justice.
- Closing Legal Gaps: Current law still blocks many survivors based on age or previous inability to act. HB 75 ensures every survivor can pursue justice, regardless of when the abuse occurred.
Why This Law Is Critical for Justice
- Retroactive Relief
Holds institutions and abusers accountable for past abuses long after legal deadlines have expired. - State Accountability
The bill provides that sovereign immunity is waived, giving survivors the ability to sue government entities alongside private institutions. - Fairness and Protection
HB 75 includes safeguards to protect against frivolous suits defendants may seek fees only when courts find “malicious intent,” not just an unfavorable verdict.
The Path Forward in Delaware
HB 75 now heads to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where it will undergo review, hearings, and debate. After committee approval, it must pass the Senate and then be signed by the Governor to become law. We need everyone to engage in advocacy for this bill in whatever way feels most comfortable.
How You Can Advocate Today
If you support justice for survivors, here’s how to help ensure HB 75 becomes law:
- Contact Your State Senator
Urge them to support the bill and move it swiftly out of committee. The key committee includes Delaware’s Senate Judiciary members. - Submit a Public Comment Testimony
Growing public input can influence committee votes. Speak up about why this matter is critical. - Partner With Local Groups
Collaborate with child advocacy or survivor organizations to raise awareness and lobby together. - Use Social Media Responsibly
Share facts, emotional stories, and why removing time barriers matters. Use hashtags like #HB75 or #Justice4Survivors.
Andreozzi + Foote Stands With Survivors
At Andreozzi + Foote, we champion legal justice grounded in equity and empathy. We’ve represented survivors facing institutional cover-ups and procedural roadblocks, and we believe HB 75 is essential to dismantling the legal barriers that too often silence voices. If you’re a survivor or family member who may continue to face exclusion from the legal system due to outdated statutes a confidential consultation may clarify your rights.
What Can You Do
- Reach out to your State Senator today ask for support in committee.
- Submit testimony during committee hearings.
- Tell the stories that statistics can’t share why HB 75 matters for humanity and justice.
Survivors deserve the chance to reclaim their power through justice not deadlines. Across Delaware, bipartisan legislators have taken a strong step forward. Now it’s our collective responsibility to ensure the Senate and Governor follow through. The progress we are making across the country is changing lives and affording justice.
If you have any questions regarding this bill or civil lawsuits in general, please call us 866-753-5458.
