Full Breakdown
California Lawmakers Reach Compromise on Childhood Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Reform
8/28/2026, 10:21:40 PM
Core Legislative Deal
Lawmakers have agreed to amend Senate Bill 577, which would modify the 2019 law that eliminated the statute of limitations for childhood sexual-abuse claims. The compromise removes any cap on damages that survivors can seek from cities, counties and school districts, while requiring survivors over age 40—or those whose cases pre-date the 2024 abolition of the limitation period—to present “clear and convincing evidence” that the public entity knew of misconduct and failed to act.
The bill also mandates that all counties, cities and school districts develop sexual-assault prevention plans and codes of conduct to be submitted to the California attorney general’s office by a deadline in 2028; the attorney general will report non-compliance to the Legislature. Mandatory-reporter requirements are expanded to include peace officers, probation officers, social workers and other officials. Attorneys found to have filed claims “in bad faith” face a $25,000 fine per violation, enforceable by the attorney general or local governments.
Legislators have until the upcoming Monday to consider the measure in both chambers, after which it would be sent to Governor Gavin Newsom for signature. Newsom’s office declined to comment, though sources familiar with the negotiations indicated the governor would sign any bill passed by the Legislature.
Background & Context
The 2019 law opened a new window for survivors to sue public entities, prompting a surge of litigation. Since its enactment, Los Angeles County has agreed to pay more than $5 billion to settle thousands of claims, and a settlement with survivors of the former MacLaren Children’s Center totals $4 billion. Santa Monica disclosed a financial crisis after uncovering $229 million in abuse-related claims, while California school districts have collectively paid nearly $500 million to resolve older cases. These payouts have strained local budgets, leading to staff cuts, program reductions and delayed facility maintenance.
Data & Statistics
- $5 billion paid by Los Angeles County.
- $4 billion settlement for MacLaren survivors.
- $229 million in claims faced by Santa Monica.
- ? $500 million paid by school districts for historic cases.
Official Statements & Responses
Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas framed the bill as a safeguard for schools and public services while investing in prevention. County officials, who had argued that the law opened the door to fraudulent claims, welcomed the new fraud-penalty provisions.
Criticism & Opposition
Attorney John Manly, who represents victims in the $4-billion settlement, warned that the heightened evidence burden for survivors over 40 could make it “impossible to represent victims” and described the language as “too vague.” County leaders also expressed concern that the lack of a damage cap could perpetuate financial strain, despite the added fraud-deterrent measures.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is a responsible step forward and moves us toward a more stable and sustainable framework, and we urge all public entities seeking reform to accept this solution now,” — Officer Joseph M. Nicchitta
- “Damage caps would place an arbitrary limit on the harm a survivor has suffered and leave survivors bearing more of the lifelong costs of abuse—including trauma, disability, and treatment,” — Doug Saeltzer, association president
What’s Next
The amended Senate Bill 577 is slated for votes in both the Assembly and the Senate early next week. If approved, it will be transmitted to Governor Newsom for final action. Public entities must submit their prevention plans to the attorney general by the 2028 deadline, and the attorney general will issue a compliance briefing to the Legislature thereafter.
