Update on Delaware’s SOL Reform and What HB 75 Could Mean for Survivors Seeking Civil Claims
For many child sexual abuse survivors, time has never worked in their favor. While Delaware was an early national leader in statute of limitations reform through its 2007 Child Victim’s Act, many survivors were unable to participate in that original two-year civil window.
Some were still too young. Others were still trapped in silence. Many were not in an emotional place where they could safely disclose their abuse. Delaware House Bill 75 seeks to address that gap, which left many survivors behind and without recourse.
HB 75 of the 2025-2025 legislative session is a new bill that would expand civil access to justice for survivors of childhood sexual abuse by allowing claims to be brought at any time, regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred.
The bill has passed the Delaware House and is currently sitting with the Senate Judiciary Committee. While this progress is meaningful, it is not yet a guarantee. As of now, there is no scheduled Senate vote and no firm indication of when the committee will take the bill up. This reminds us of what is currently happening in Pennsylvania with CVA House Bills 262 and 264 sitting idle in the State Senate.
Still, the legislation represents an important step in Delaware’s ongoing discussion about accountability, survivor healing, and the responsibility of institutions that allowed abuse to occur.
The Yost Legal Group is closely monitoring this potential law change in Delaware. Our experienced sexual abuse survivor lawyers are here to help you understand your rights. If you are ready to tell your story, we are here to listen. Call us today to set up a free and confidential consultation at 1-800-967-8529.
What HB 75 Would Change for Survivors
At its core, HB 75 would amend Title 10, Section 8145 of the Delaware Code to eliminate the civil statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims, including claims that were previously time-barred. That means a survivor whose abuse occurred decades ago would be able to bring a civil case today, regardless of their age or how much time has passed.
This is significant for several reasons. First, delayed disclosure is common. Survivors often take years to recognize the harm they experienced, name it, and feel safe enough to speak it aloud. The average age of disclosure for childhood sexual abuse often falls well into adulthood, meaning traditional time limits rarely reflect the lived realities of survivors.
Second, institutions that enabled abuse—whether churches, youth programs, schools, or other organizations—have historically relied on statutes of limitations to avoid accountability. HB 75 would shift the legal landscape, ensuring those institutions cannot use the passage of time as a shield.
Furthermore, HB 75 would operate retroactively. Survivors who previously believed they had no legal path forward would have another chance. That is the heart of the bill: restoring access to justice for people who did not have it before.
Delaware’s History of Statute of Limitations Reform
Delaware is not new to this conversation. In 2007, the state enacted one of the nation’s earliest and strongest laws for child sexual abuse survivors. The Child Victim’s Act opened a two-year window for previously time-barred civil claims, and the Delaware Supreme Court upheld the law against constitutional challenges.
Survivors sued schools, institutions, and the Catholic Church, leading to significant settlements and increased public awareness.
But even then, many survivors were left out. Some had not yet processed the abuse. Some were still children at the time. Some lacked support, access to counsel, or the psychological readiness to step forward. A two-year window was groundbreaking at the time, but it was not enough for countless individuals.
HB 75 acknowledges those realities. It reflects both Delaware’s history and the national momentum around expanding survivor rights. States across the country have enacted lookback windows and eliminated civil statutes of limitations because the evidence is overwhelming: survivors need time, and justice systems must account for that.
Where HB 75 Stands Now in the Legislative Process
While HB 75 has cleared the Delaware House of Representatives, its progress in the Senate Judiciary Committee has been paused. The committee holds substantial power over whether the bill advances or remains stalled. As of this writing, there is no public timeline for when a hearing or vote may occur.
This uncertainty is important to acknowledge. Survivors deserve an honest understanding of the process. Although the House vote shows meaningful bipartisan support, nothing is guaranteed. Bills can stall in committee for reasons unrelated to their substance, including competing legislative priorities, procedural disputes, or strategic delays. For now, HB 75 remains pending with no announced movement.
For survivors watching the bill closely, this period of waiting can be emotionally taxing. Many have already endured decades of silence, institutional betrayal, and personal struggle. The possibility of legal recognition and accountability can provide a lifeline. But legislative limbo is difficult. That is why transparency is crucial. Our goal is not to suggest that passage is imminent, but to provide clear, accurate updates as they occur.
Why HB 75 Matters Even Before Passage
Even in its pending state, HB 75 matters. It signals that Delaware lawmakers are actively reconsidering how the state treats survivors of childhood sexual abuse. It reflects an understanding that justice delayed should not be justice denied. The bill’s existence already contributes to a broader public conversation that centers survivors’ experiences rather than institutional convenience.
It is also an opportunity for survivors to reflect on whether they might want to pursue a civil claim if the law changes. Many people who thought they had no legal options may now see a potential path forward. That does not mean every survivor must act, or even should. Civil cases are deeply personal and can be emotionally demanding. But having the choice is powerful. HB 75 attempts to restore that choice.
Additionally, institutional accountability remains a critical factor. Laws like HB 75 ensure that organizations cannot bury wrongdoing under decades of silence. The prospect of renewed civil exposure may encourage institutions to take long-overdue steps toward transparency and reform.
A Survivor-Centered Perspective on What Comes Next
While we cannot predict when, or if, the Senate Judiciary Committee will take up HB 75, we can say this: we are continuing to monitor every development and will update survivors as soon as there is movement. Our commitment is to accuracy, compassion, and clarity. No promises. No speculation. Just the truth, delivered in a way that honors what survivors have already lived through.
For survivors considering what HB 75 could mean for them, it is normal to feel a range of emotions, from hope to fear to uncertainty. That spectrum of emotion is part of the healing process. If this legislation moves forward, there will be time to evaluate options, understand legal rights, and make decisions with the support you deserve.
If you have questions about how HB 75 might affect your ability to pursue a civil claim in the future, you can call or text our legal team at any time. You do not need to wait for the bill to pass to start getting information. Understanding your rights early can make the process less overwhelming later.
Staying Informed and Supporting Survivors
HB 75 is not the law yet. It is an active bill with real potential and real challenges. But it represents an essential moment for survivors in Delaware. As the bill awaits further action, we will remain watchful, engaged, and committed to keeping survivors informed.
If and when the Senate Judiciary Committee schedules a hearing, proposes amendments, or takes a vote, we will provide an immediate update. Until then, survivors should know they are not forgotten. Their stories matter. Their rights matter. And the state’s legal system is still evolving toward a more just and compassionate future.
For a free and confidential consultation with a compassionate sexual abuse survivor attorney, call or text The Yost Legal Group today. Our team is experienced and focused on survivor advocacy. If you are ready to tell your story, we are here to listen. You are not alone. Call us at 1-800-967-8529.
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