A bill for an act modifying the periods of time to bring civil actions by victims of sexual abuse, human trafficking, or sexual exploitation, and including effective date provisions.

House File 431 (HF431) is a bill introduced in the Iowa General Assembly on February 17, 2025, aiming to eliminate the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits filed by victims of sexual abuse, human trafficking, or sexual exploitation. This means that victims can file civil actions seeking damages at any time, regardless of when the abuse occurred. The bill applies to various offenses, including sexual abuse, sexual exploitation by certain professionals, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation of a minor. It also covers all theories of liability in civil actions, even if the defendant was not held liable in a related criminal case.

Supporters of HF431 argue that removing the statute of limitations empowers survivors to seek justice on their own timelines, acknowledging that many victims may need years to come forward due to trauma. They believe this change aligns Iowa with other states that have extended or removed such limitations, reflecting a growing recognition of the long-term impacts of sexual abuse and exploitation.

Critics of HF431 express concerns that eliminating the statute of limitations could lead to challenges in defending against old claims, as evidence may be lost and memories may fade over time. They worry that this could result in unfair trials and potential misuse of the legal system. Additionally, some argue that the bill could have significant implications for institutions and individuals, potentially leading to increased litigation and financial burdens.