Missouri Senator Brad Hudson, re-filed a bill to eliminate the statute of limitations (SOL) for civil lawsuits brought by victims of childhood sexual abuse. Under current Missouri law, a survivor can sue a perpetrator up until age 31. In effect, the statute runs either 10 years after the victim turns 21, or 3 years after discovery. Senator Hudson noted that many survivors don’t come forward until their 50s, or the abuser is already dead. As such, Missouri becomes what he calls “a sanctuary state for pedophiles” if reform doesn’t happen.
This is a powerful moment. Advocates have long called for ending deadlines that bar survivors simply because they needed decades to process and step forward. But while this measure is a step in the right direction, the devil is in the details. Without key elements like a retroactive civil window, many survivors will remain shut out of justice.
How Missouri Compares to Other States
To understand how Missouri’s proposed reform stacks up, let’s look at the broader landscape.
What Child USA’s Data Tells Us
Child USA tracks reform of statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse across states. According to its SOL Tracker:
- Over 33 states (and U.S. territories) have opened “look-back windows” or revival statutes for civil claims that were previously time-barred.
- Some states have eliminated the civil statute of limitations entirely for childhood sexual abuse claims. This means survivors can sue regardless of how much time has passed.
- Others have extended the age cut-off or the discovery period (the time after the victim “discovers” harm) rather than fully eliminating the limit.
Where Missouri Lands
Missouri’s current law is set at either 10 years after the victim turns 21, or 3 years after discovery, for abuse that happened after Aug. 28, 2004. That means many adult survivors who often don’t disclose or even fully recognize the abuse’s impact until much later in life. They are legally barred from filing.
By contrast:
- States like Vermont have abolished the statute entirely for civil claims of child sexual abuse no time-limit.
- Others, such as New Jersey, allow victims until age 55 (or a set years post-discovery) to sue.
- Many states still maintain much shorter windows, showing the patchwork justice system survivors confront.
So Missouri’s proposed elimination of the civil SOL would put it among the stronger reform states. This holds true if it truly removes the time limit for all victims moving forward and addresses those already shut out.
Why a Civil Window Matters and Why It Must Be Included
Ending the statute of limitations going forward is vital. But here’s the truth: many survivors are already barred by existing time limits. Without a civil revival window (sometimes called a “look-back window”), those survivors remain excluded.
Why a window is a best practice
- Survivors often do not recognize or disclose abuse until years later. This is especially true with child sexual abuse survivors, who may only connect the dots in their 40s, 50s, or beyond.
- Institutions and abusers often delay, conceal or re-traumatize survivors. Awarding a window acknowledges that systemic failures compounded the harm and barrier to the statute-starting clock.
- As Child USA’s data shows: 33+ states have implemented revival windows to allow previously time-barred claims.
- Without a window, you create two classes of survivors: those who made it in time and those whose voices are permanently silenced. That isn’t justice.
What to look for in the Missouri bill
- A clause explicitly reviving civil claims that were time-barred under the old time limits.
- Retroactive application (claims back to any date of abuse) or at minimum generous look-back period.
- Clear language that survivors are not penalized for delayed discovery, adult-onset trauma, or institutional concealment.
- Broad eligibility: allowing victims of any age (child or adult when abuse occurred) to bring claims.
- Safe harbor for institutional accountability, not just individual perpetrator suits.
What Survivors Deserve
As someone who’s dedicated her career to survivors of sexual abuse, let me be clear: this reform is non-negotiable. Every survivor deserves their day in court. Every institution that turned a blind eye must face accountability.
In Missouri, the re-filed bill is a beacon of hope but only if drafted with full survivor inclusion, including those long silenced.
Here’s what advocates, survivors and public justice must demand:
- No statute of limitations going forward for civil childhood sexual abuse claims.
- A retroactive civil window so those barred yesterday can bring claims tomorrow.
- Inclusive definitions so every victim regardless of age of abuse, gender, or disclosure time — gets access to justice.
- Transparency, survivor-centered process, and access to legal representation even for older claims.
Missouri can lead and set a national standard. We must ensure they do.
Missouri’s legislative moment is pivotal. If the statute of limitations for childhood sexual-abuse civil suits is eliminated, survivors across the state will gain the long-awaited chance at legal redress. But without a revival window, thousands remain locked out of justice.
Contact our sexual abuse attorneys today for a free case consultation. 1-866-753-5458