A Democratic bill with 3 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as "Virginia's Law," seeks to amend title 18 of the United States Code. It creates a civil cause of action for victims of certain crimes to sue perpetrators or those who knowingly benefit from such acts. The legislation also eliminates specific statutes of limitations for various civil actions related to these crimes. It establishes rules for when civil actions must be filed and how they interact with ongoing criminal investigations. Additionally, it includes a one-year look-back period for certain previously barred actions.
Yes· 3 of 13
- Scored +7
Would children be better off under this?
The bill specifically extends the timeline for victims who were minors at the time of the offense to seek justice.
- Scored +6
Would women be better off under this?
The bill provides expanded civil remedies for victims of sexual abuse which disproportionately impacts women.
- Scored +6
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?
The bill expands legal rights by establishing new civil remedies and removing certain statute of limitations barriers for victims.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Right to Seek Damages: Victims of sexual abuse or crimes involving transportation for illegal sexual activity can bring civil actions to recover damages and reasonable attorneys fees (Section 2, Sec. 2249(a) and Sec. 2430(a)).
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Expanded Liability: The bill allows victims to sue not just the perpetrator, but also those who knowingly benefit, attempt to benefit, or conspire to benefit financially or by receiving anything of value from the crime (Section 2, Sec. 2249(a) and Sec. 2430(a)).
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Removal of Time Limits for Specific Crimes: For certain violations, such as those involving sections 2241, 2242, 2243, 2421, 2422, 2423, 1589, 1590, or 1591, there is no time limit for filing a complaint (Section 2, Sec. 2249(c)(2); Sec. 2430(c)(2); Section 3).
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Opportunity for Past Claims: Through a 1-year look-back period, individuals may commence "covered actions" that were previously barred due to time limits (Section 4, Sec. 4(b)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Delayed Legal Proceedings: Civil actions are required to be stayed while a criminal action—including the investigation and prosecution—is pending until final adjudication in the trial court (Section 2, Sec. 2249(b)(1) and Sec. 2430(b)(1)).
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Strict Filing Deadlines for Most Claims: For many actions, there are specific time limits; no action may be maintained unless it is started within 10 years of the cause of action or 10 years after a minor victim reaches age 18 (Section 2, Sec. 2249(c)(1) and Sec. 2430(c)(1)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would children be better off under this? — The bill specifically extends the timeline for victims who were minors at the time of the offense to seek justice. Would women be better off under this? — The bill provides expanded civil remedies for victims of sexual abuse which disproportionately impacts women. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — The bill provides a pathway for young adults to sue for crimes that occurred during their childhood. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill allows for the recovery of reasonable attorney fees which can assist victims with limited financial resources. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — The bill provides civil recourse for victims of sexual crimes which can be utilized by all racial groups. Would Asian Americans be better off under this? — The bill provides civil recourse for victims of sexual crimes which can be utilized by all racial groups. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — The bill provides civil recourse for victims of sexual crimes which can be utilized by all racial groups. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill provides civil recourse for victims of sexual crimes which can be utilized by all racial groups. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The bill provides a mechanism for justice regardless of the age of the victim at the time of the crime. Would white Americans be better off under this? — The bill provides civil recourse for victims of sexual crimes which can be utilized by all racial groups.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — The bill expands legal rights by establishing new civil remedies and removing certain statute of limitations barriers for victims.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — The bill allows victims to recover damages and legal fees which may help alleviate financial hardship caused by crime. Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill provides new legal avenues for victims of sexual abuse and related crimes regardless of race.
- 5/26/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/26/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 2/10/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Pramila JayapalDemocrat · Washington
Jamie RaskinDemocrat · Maryland
Suhas SubramanyamDemocrat · Virginia