Yes. There has been a recent change in the law that allows survivors of sexual assault or sexual harassment in California to file a civil lawsuit regardless of when the assault occurred. Until now, survivors faced a strict legal deadline to file a civil lawsuit. Once the statute of limitations expired, their chance to seek justice in court was lost in most cases.
That has now changed, but only for a limited time. Survivors of sexual assault or sexual harassment may now file a lawsuit no matter when the incident happened. This new exception is only in effect in 2026 and 2027.
By passing Assembly Bill 250 (AB 250), California has created a temporary window of time for individuals to file civil sexual assault and harassment lawsuits, even if their cases were previously time-barred by the statute of limitations. This is known as a “revival period” and it gives survivors a second chance if they originally missed the deadline to take legal action.
Now, if the original deadline to sue has passed, you may have a new opportunity to file a lawsuit. Contacting a California sexual assault and harassment lawyer is your first step.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Sexual Assault in California?
In California, the statute of limitations sets a deadline for filing a civil lawsuit. For most sexual assault or harassment claims brought by adults, the deadline has typically been:
- Two years from the date of the sexual assault (for general personal injury)
- Three years from the date of the last harassing or retaliatory act (in employment-related cases under the Fair Employment and Housing Act)
There are exceptions to these deadlines, including extended time for child victims or in certain workplace claims, but most cases are barred if these deadlines have passed. Before AB 250 was enacted, survivors had very few options if the statue of limitations for their claims had passed.
What Changed With California Assembly Bill 250?
AB 250 gives adult survivors of sexual assault and harassment a second chance to file a civil lawsuit. This law creates a window to sue that opened on January 1, 2026, and closes on December 31, 2027.
During that two-year period, survivors can file lawsuits even if their claims were previously barred by older statutes of limitations. This law applies to civil cases involving:
- Sexual battery, as defined in California Civil Code Section 1708.5
- Sexual harassment, as defined by California civil law
AB 250 does not apply to criminal prosecution. It only revives civil lawsuits for monetary damages and other legal relief.
Can I Sue Now If the Time Limit Already Passed?
Yes, you can, but only during the AB 250 revival window, which runs from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027. To qualify:
- The sexual assault or harassment must have occurred in California
- The conduct must meet the definition of sexual battery or sexual harassment under California civil law
If your case meets these conditions, you may be able to file a civil lawsuit during the window created by AB 250.
Why Does the Law Give Survivors More Time?
Survivors of sexual misconduct often delay reporting or taking legal action. This delay is usually not due to lack of harm or the seriousness of the damage done. It is often caused by the emotional nature of the event and its lasting effects, which may make it difficult for the survivor to come forward.
The California Legislature acknowledged this when passing AB 250. In the text of the bill, lawmakers noted that many survivors miss deadlines due to the emotional and social impact of the abuse. The revival window reflects a belief that justice should not be denied simply because someone could not come forward on a state-created timeline.
What Types of Misconduct Qualify?
AB 250 applies to two categories of civil claims:
1. Sexual Battery
Defined in Civil Code § 1708.5, sexual battery includes any of the following:
- Intentional, non-consensual touching of an intimate part
- Touching done for sexual arousal, gratification, or abuse
The law does not require force, physical violence, or criminal conviction. The focus is on non-consensual sexual contact.
2. Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment includes a wide range of behaviors:
- Unwanted sexual advances
- Inappropriate touching or comments
- Quid pro quo offers (e.g., benefits in exchange for sexual favors)
- Hostile environment based on sexual conduct
These claims may occur inside or outside of the workplace. The person responsible does not have to be an employer. Many cases involve acquaintances, colleagues, or people in positions of influence, such as entertainers or business professionals. A California sexual harassment lawyer, such as Yoosefian Law Firm, P.C., can help you determine if you have a claim.
Do I Need to Have Reported the Assault When It Happened?
No. AB 250 does not require that the survivor made a police report, filed a complaint, or told anyone at the time of the incident.
Many survivors never report their experiences. Silence at the time of the abuse does not affect your right to file during the AB 250 window.
Contact Yoosefian Law Firm, P.C.
If you believe you have a sexual assault or sexual harassment claim that may qualify under AB 250, contact us for a free, confidential consultation. We represent clients throughout California in civil sexual assault and sexual harassment cases.
We are committed to helping survivors pursue justice. We have the experience to handle these cases with compassion for our clients, and to aggressively hold defendants accountable for their actions. Please call us at (818) 275-1529 or complete our online contact form.