Assembly Bill 218 substantially changed how childhood sexual abuse claims are handled in California. It extended the standard limitation period and, importantly, created a three-year revival window during which previously time-barred claims could be brought.
Key Provisions of AB 218
- Extended the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse to 22 years from the date the survivor turns 18, or five years from the date of discovery of psychological injury — whichever is later.
- Opened a three-year revival window (1 January 2020 – 31 December 2022) for claims that would otherwise have been time-barred.
- Permitted treble damages where a defendant engaged in a cover-up of past abuse, in certain circumstances.
What Happened During the Revival Window
Thousands of claims were filed against schools, the Boy Scouts, Catholic dioceses, juvenile detention facilities, and other institutions during the AB 218 window. Many of those cases are still working through California's courts in 2026, including coordinated proceedings and individual jury trials.
Where Things Stand in 2026
The window itself has closed, but the litigation it generated is ongoing. New survivors who did not file before 31 December 2022 may still have options under the extended (non-revival) limitation periods, particularly where the survivor's age or date of discovery brings the claim within the standard time frame. Claims involving cover-up allegations also remain a significant area of focus.
California abuse claim time limits are layered and fact-specific. Survivors who were unsure whether to come forward during the AB 218 window may still have a viable claim today depending on their age, their date of discovery of harm, and the nature of the institutional conduct involved.
