The Maryland Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of the Child Victims Act.
Opposition over the law focused on an earlier law from 2017 that established a cutoff age of 38 for victims to sue. The justices considered whether it permanently protected certain defendants from liability, while attorneys argued that the law included a statute of repose, which could not be modified because it included a “vested right to be free from liability.”
The court concluded that the Maryland Legislature has the power to change such a statute, which it did in passing the 2023 law.
This act eliminated the statute of limitations in child sexual abuse cases. MCASA advocated for enactment of this law and appreciates the careful reasoning of the Supreme Court when considering this important issue. We would also like to thank Chair CT Wilson for his support of this bill and honor the enormous personal sacrifice that his continued advocacy entailed.
If you are a survivor of sexual violence in Maryland, help is available.
Call the Sexual Assault Legal Institute (SALI):
301-565-2277
or toll-free 877-496-SALI
Find your local rape crisis center:
Visit our website or call 211 to be connected with local resources
