California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 250 (AB 250), a new law that will create a temporary “revival window” allowing adult survivors of sexual assault to bring civil lawsuits in cases where the statute of limitations had previously expired. The law takes effect January 1, 2026 and remains in place through December 31, 2027. (Previously reported by the  Daily Journal)

Under AB 250, individuals who were 18 years or older at the time of the assault may file civil claims for sexual assault that were once barred by California’s statute of limitations. This includes actions against the individual responsible for the abuse as well as certain private entities alleged to have allowed, enabled, or failed to prevent the abuse.

The revival window does not apply to public entities such as government agencies or public schools, meaning claims against those institutions remain subject to existing deadlines.

How the Revival Window Works

For many years, California’s statute of limitations prevented adults from filing civil suits for sexual assault after a set number of years had passed. While past legislative efforts—such as previous “lookback windows” and extensions for childhood abuse—expanded opportunities for survivors at various points, AB 250 marks a significant shift by offering a clearly defined two-year opportunity to “revive” old claims that were otherwise time-barred.

During the revival period beginning in 2026:

  • Survivors may file claims regardless of how long ago the assault occurred, even if decades have passed.

  • Claims may be brought not only against the alleged perpetrator, but also against private institutions that may have contributed to the survivor’s harm through alleged cover-ups, negligence, or failure to act.

  • The law applies to sexual assault and other forms of sexual misconduct that occurred when the survivor was an adult.

The intent of AB 250’s revival window is to address longstanding concerns that many survivors delay seeking legal remedies due to trauma, fear, or other personal and psychological barriers that made timely filing difficult under previous rules. Lawmakers and advocacy groups have described the measure as an effort to align the legal system with the realities many survivors face when coming forward about past abuse.

Civil Claims and Institutional Accountability

While criminal prosecution of sexual assault is governed by separate statutes and deadlines, civil claims allow survivors to pursue financial remedies for harm suffered as a result of sexual assault or related institutional conduct. In civil law, plaintiffs must establish not only the occurrence of abuse, but also that a defendant—whether an individual or organization—had legal responsibility and breached duties owed to the survivor.

The revival window established by AB 250 may be particularly relevant in cases where:

  • A private institution is alleged to have known about abuse and failed to act,

  • Confidentiality or nondisclosure agreements previously prevented survivors from coming forward, or

  • Organizational policies or oversight lapses were alleged to have enabled misconduct.

Importantly, survivors considering whether AB 250 may apply to their circumstances should carefully review the specific requirements of the law and the relevant statutory framework during the revival period.

Easton & Easton’s Support for Survivors

At Easton & Easton, we recognize the profound impact that sexual assault can have on survivors and their families, including the emotional and psychological barriers that sometimes delay reporting or legal action. Changes in California law, such as AB 250, reflect a broader acknowledgment that justice and healing do not always follow a fixed timeline.

Our firm is committed to supporting survivors of sexual assault and navigating the complexities of civil claims, especially in cases where institutional accountability is at issue. We understand that each survivor’s path is unique, and we emphasize compassionate, informed advocacy that respects the healing journey while also carefully examining legal options.

Attorney Saul Wolf has substantial experience handling civil claims connected to institutional abuse across many environments, including:

  • Church entities, such as the Roman Catholic Church

  • Private schools and public school districts, including Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)

  • Youth-serving organizations, such as Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCAs

  • Youth sports organizations and national governing bodies, including USA Water Polo and USA Cheer

Easton & Easton remains dedicated to helping survivors pursue clarity, accountability, and justice, while advocating for protections that better safeguard individuals in all private and community settings throughout California.