California has taken a historic step for adult survivors of sexual assault and sexual abuse. For decades, survivors who were abused as adults had an extremely limited time to file civil lawsuits—often as little as two or three years. Once that short window closed, most survivors had no legal options left, even when the trauma, fear, shame, or coercion made it impossible to come forward earlier.
That changes now.
With the passage of California Assembly Bill 250 (AB 250), adult survivors will soon have a two-year revival window to take legal action… even if their claim expired decades ago. This is one of the most significant expansions of civil rights for adult survivors in California’s history.
If the abuse happened when you were 18 or older, and you did not file a civil lawsuit under the prior filing deadlines for any reason, this is your chance to seek justice and hold the people and institutions that allowed the abuse accountable for the harm they caused you.
Below, we’ll explain what AB 250 does, who qualifies, what types of cases can now be filed, and what steps adult survivors can take right now, even before the window opens.
Key Takeaways
- AB 250 creates a two-year revival window for adult survivors of sexual abuse in California, open January 1, 2026–December 31, 2027.
- Survivors can file lawsuits even if their claims expired decades ago under previous statutes of limitations.
- The law applies to abuse that happened when the survivor was 18 or older—this is a major expansion beyond previous California laws focused on childhood abuse.
- Survivors can sue both the abuser and private institutions that enabled, ignored, or covered up the misconduct.
- Public entities are excluded from this revival window; claims against government agencies must follow different rules.
- This is a one-time, limited opportunity; once the window closes on December 31, 2027, expired adult claims cannot be revived again.
What Is California AB 250?
AB 250 is a new California law that creates a statewide two-year revival window that allows adult sexual abuse survivors to file civil lawsuits for sexual abuse that happened at any time in the past, even if the usual statute of limitations expired long ago.
Key Dates
The new bill, which was signed into law in October 2025, includes the following time limits:
- Revival Window Opens: January 1, 2026
- Revival Window Closes: December 31, 2027
During these 24 months, eligible abuse survivors can file civil lawsuits in California courts against:
- The perpetrator, and
- Any private institution that allowed, enabled, concealed, or failed to prevent the abuse.
This includes employers, churches, medical facilities, entertainment industry entities, youth or sports organizations, private universities, private security firms, and more.
Important Limitation
AB 250 does not apply to:
- Public institutions, such as public schools, state agencies, police departments, jails, or any government-run entity.
Only private entities can be sued under this specific revival law.
Who Qualifies to File a Lawsuit Under California AB 250?
Adults Who Were 18+ at the Time of Abuse
AB 250 applies specifically to adult survivors, unlike previous laws such as AB 218, which focused on childhood sexual assault survivors.
Survivors Whose Legal Filing Deadline Had Already Expired
Even if your statute of limitations expired:
- 5 years ago
- 10 years ago
- 30+ years ago
You may now file during the revival window.
Survivors of Any Form of Sexual Abuse, Sexual Assault, or Sexual Misconduct
This includes claims involving:
- Rape
- Sexual battery
- Sexual coercion
- Exploitation
- Abuse in workplaces, entertainment settings, doctors’ offices, sports programs, care homes, or private schools
Survivors whose abuse was ignored, covered up, or facilitated by a private organization
AB 250 allows lawsuits not only against the abuser, but also against private entities that:
- Failed to perform background checks
- Ignored complaints
- Enabled or concealed misconduct
- Retained known offenders
- Failed to protect vulnerable adults
Why California Created AB 250
Lawmakers recognized what survivors, psychologists, and advocates have said for decades:
- Most adult survivors cannot discuss the abuse quickly, and usually miss their old statute of limitations.
- Trauma responses such as dissociation, shame, fear of retaliation, or workplace power dynamics delay reporting.
- Adults often depend financially or professionally on the person or institution abusing them.
- Many survivors don’t fully understand the harm or impact of the abuse until years later.
AB 250 acknowledges these realities and gives survivors a realistic opportunity to file civil claims.
How AB 250 Changes the Law (Comparison Table)
| Legal Rule | Before AB 250 | Under AB 250 (from 2026 to 2027) |
| Who qualifies? | Adult survivors had 2–3 years under most statutes. | All adult survivors of sexual abuse, regardless of how long ago it occurred. |
| Can you file after the deadline expired? | No. Expired claims were permanently barred. | Yes. Any previously time-barred claim can be filed during the revival window. |
| Who can be sued? | Perpetrators + private entities, but only within the original limitations period. | Perpetrators + private entities (employers, churches, hospitals, private schools, etc.). |
| Can I sue public institutions? | Only within normal deadlines. No revival option. | No revival for public institutions under AB 250. |
| Window to file expired claims | None. | Two-year statewide window: 1/1/2026–12/31/2027. |
| Standard of proof | Preponderance of the evidence. | Same standard — but survivors now have access to civil courts again. |
A Real-Life Example of How AB 250 Helps Adult Survivors
Maria, now age 52, was assaulted by her supervisor at a private healthcare company when she was 26. She reported it to HR, but the company pressured her to stay quiet. At the time, Maria believed she had no real legal options, and the statute of limitations expired years later.
In 2024, she discovered that the same supervisor had harmed multiple coworkers. This triggered memories she had buried for decades. She wanted to act, but her case seemed permanently time-barred.
Under the revival window created by AB 250:
- Maria can file a lawsuit between January 1, 2026 and December 31, 2027
- She can sue the supervisor
- She can also sue the private healthcare company, because AB 250 covers private institutions that enabled or allowed the abuse
- The court can now hear the case, even though the abuse happened decades ago
Maria’s story is extremely common. AB 250 ensures survivors like her are not shut out of justice simply because trauma delayed their ability to file.
Actions Survivors Should Take Now (Even Before January 2026)
Even though AB 250’s window doesn’t open until January 1, 2026, survivors should begin preparing now because:
- Evidence can deteriorate or disappear
- Witnesses move or forget details
- Institutions often destroy old personnel files unless preservation letters are sent
- A legal team can begin investigating immediately
- The revival window is only two years, and many survivors will be filing at the same time
Starting early helps secure the strongest possible claim when the window opens.
Frequently Asked Questions About the New California Revival Window Created by AB 250
When can I file my AB 250 lawsuit?
You can file from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027.
Does AB 250 apply to abuse that happened outside California?
It may apply if the abuser or private entity is located in California or if the abuse had substantial ties to the state. A lawyer can help you verify jurisdictional questions.
Can I remain anonymous?
In many sexual abuse cases, survivors may file using initials or seek a protective order. A legal team can guide you through these options.
What damages can I pursue?
Many survivors seek compensation for:
- Therapy and medical care
- Lost wages and career impacts
- Emotional trauma
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages (in qualifying cases)
Do I need a criminal case to file a civil case?
No. Civil cases do not require criminal charges or convictions.
You Have a New Chance to Be Heard, and the File Abuse Lawsuit Team Can Help
California AB 250 gives adult survivors something many thought they would never have again: a real opportunity to pursue justice.
Whether the abuse happened:
- In the workplace
- At a private school or university
- In a doctor’s office
- Through a religious or spiritual organization
- In a modeling, acting, or professional mentorship context
- At any private institution that allowed someone to harm you
Your voice matters, and your right to act has been restored.
But the window is short — only 24 months — and it will not reopen once it closes.
If you think AB 250 might apply to you, or even if you’re unsure, the best step is to talk to a trauma-informed legal team as early as possible.
Call the File Abuse Lawsuit team today at (209) 283-2205. Your consultation is free, completely confidential, and focused on helping you understand your rights and your next steps. We will listen, guide you, and help you prepare so that when the window opens in 2026, you are ready.