Does AB 250 apply to cases that are still within the regular statute of limitations?

Yes, AB 250 applies to all sexual assault cases, regardless of when they occurred. Survivors can choose to file under AB 250 or under the regular statute of limitations, whichever provides better timing or strategic advantages for their case.

Can someone file both criminal charges and a civil lawsuit under AB 250?

These are separate legal processes. AB 250 only affects civil lawsuits seeking monetary damages. Criminal cases are governed by different statutes of limitations and are not affected by AB 250. You can potentially pursue both if the criminal statute of limitations hasn't expired.

What happens if I miss the 2026 deadline?

If you miss the AB 250 window and your case is outside the regular statute of limitations, you cannot file the civil lawsuit. This is why it's crucial to start preparing your case well before 2026 and consult with an attorney early in the process.

AB 250 Update: The New 2026 Sexual Assault 'Lookback' Window in Santa Clarita

What Is AB 250?

Assembly Bill 250, signed into law in 2023, creates a temporary "lookback window" that suspends the statute of limitations for sexual assault civil claims. From January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, survivors can file civil lawsuits regardless of when the assault occurred, even if the normal statute of limitations has expired.

This law applies specifically to civil lawsuits seeking monetary damages, not criminal prosecutions. The criminal statute of limitations remains unchanged.

How Does This Affect Santa Clarita Residents?

For survivors in Santa Clarita and throughout Los Angeles County, AB 250 provides an opportunity to seek justice and compensation through the civil court system. This includes claims against:

Individual perpetrators
Employers who failed to prevent workplace assault
Schools and educational institutions
Organizations like churches, sports clubs, or youth groups
Property owners who failed to provide adequate security

The law recognizes that many survivors need years or decades before they're ready to come forward, often due to trauma, shame, or fear of not being believed.

What Types of Cases Can Be Filed?

AB 250 covers a broad range of sexual assault and abuse claims, including:

Childhood sexual abuse
Adult sexual assault
Sexual harassment that rises to the level of assault
Institutional cover-ups of sexual abuse
Cases involving positions of trust or authority

The law doesn't require that the perpetrator was criminally convicted. Civil cases have a lower burden of proof than criminal cases, requiring only a "preponderance of evidence" rather than proof "beyond a reasonable doubt."

How Should Organizations Prepare?

Businesses, schools, religious institutions, and other organizations in Santa Clarita should prepare for potential claims by:

Reviewing their insurance policies to understand coverage for sexual assault claims
Consulting with legal counsel about potential exposure
Gathering and preserving relevant documents and records
Reviewing current policies and procedures to prevent future incidents

Many organizations may face claims related to incidents that occurred decades ago, making document preservation and witness availability challenging issues.

What If You're Accused Under AB 250?

If you're facing accusations of sexual assault under the AB 250 lookback window, it's crucial to understand your rights and options. These cases often involve allegations from years or decades ago, making defense particularly challenging.

Key considerations include:

The passage of time can make evidence gathering difficult for both sides
Witness memories fade and witnesses may be unavailable
Documents and physical evidence may no longer exist
The legal standards and procedures may have changed since the alleged incident

Having experienced legal representation is essential to protect your rights and build an effective defense strategy.

Timeline and Deadlines

The AB 250 lookback window is limited and specific:

Window opens: January 1, 2026
Window closes: December 31, 2026
Duration: Exactly one year

Claims must be filed during this one-year period. There are no extensions or exceptions to these dates.

For survivors considering filing a claim, it's important to start preparing well before 2026. Gathering evidence, locating witnesses, and building a case takes time, especially for incidents that occurred years ago.

How This Differs from Previous California Law

Before AB 250, California had already extended the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse cases through previous legislation. However, AB 250 is broader, covering adult sexual assault cases and providing this temporary lookback opportunity.

Unlike ongoing statute of limitations changes, AB 250 is a one-time opportunity. Once the window closes on December 31, 2026, these time-barred claims cannot be filed again.