S. 3815: Virginia's Law

This bill, known as Virginia's Law, proposes significant changes to federal civil law regarding certain crimes, primarily focusing on sexual abuse and human trafficking. Here are the main points of the bill:

Creation of Civil Remedies

The bill introduces a civil cause of action for victims of specified crimes. It allows individuals who have suffered from violations related to sexual abuse and human trafficking to:

• File a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator.
• Seek financial damages and reimbursement for legal fees from the perpetrator or anyone who knowingly benefits from the illegal activities.

Stay of Civil Actions

If a civil case is filed, it will be put on hold while any related criminal proceedings are ongoing. This means that victims cannot pursue their civil claims until the criminal case is resolved.

Time Limit for Filing

Generally, victims must file their civil actions within:

• Ten years after the abuse occurred, or
• Ten years after they turn 18 if the victim was a minor at the time of the offense.

However, there is no time limit for filing claims regarding more severe offenses, including serious sexual assaults.

Amendments to Relevant Laws

The bill amends existing federal laws concerning sexual offenses and human trafficking to include these new civil remedies. It adds new sections to:

• Chapter 109A, which deals with sexual abuse, and
• Chapter 117, which concerns transportation for illegal sexual activity.

Elimination of Statute of Limitations for Certain Cases

The bill proposes to eliminate the statute of limitations for civil actions relating to serious violations, allowing victims to file lawsuits regardless of when the abuse occurred.

Applicability

This legislation will apply to:

• Any action or claim that, at the time of the bill’s enactment, would not have been barred under previous law.
• Any new claims arising after the enactment.

A special provision also allows claims to be brought for one year after the bill is enacted if they were previously dismissed due to time limits.

Relevant Companies

• None found