This law is about people who were sexually abused as children suing for money damages. The person who was abused has until they turn 31 years old, or three years after they figure out the abuse caused their harm — whichever comes later — to file a lawsuit. Any agreement that tries to keep someone quiet about childhood sexual abuse cannot be enforced in court and is considered void.
537.046. Childhood sexual , injury or illness defined — for may be brought, when — s , when. — 1. As used in this section, the following terms mean:
(1) "Childhood sexual abuse", any act committed by the against the which act occurred when the plaintiff was under the age of eighteen years and which act would have been a violation of section 566.030, 566.031, 566.032, 566.034, 566.060, 566.061, 566.062, 566.064, 566.067, 566.068, 566.069, 566.071, 566.083, 566.086, 566.093, 566.095, 566.100, 566.101, 566.209, 566.210, 566.211, 568.020, or 573.200;
(2) "Injury" or "illness", either a or illness or a psychological injury or illness. A psychological injury or illness need not be accompanied by physical injury or illness.
2. Any action to recover damages from injury or illness caused by childhood sexual abuse in an action brought this section shall be within ten years of the plaintiff attaining the age of twenty-one or within three years of the date the plaintiff discovers, or reasonably should have discovered, that the injury or illness was caused by childhood sexual abuse, whichever later occurs.
3. This section shall apply to any action arising on or after August 28, 2025.
4. to the contrary, a nondisclosure agreement by any to a childhood sexual abuse action shall not be in a dispute involving childhood sexual abuse allegations or , and shall be .
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Source & history notes
(L. 1990 H.B. 1370, et al. § 3, A.L. 2004 H.B. 1055 merged with H.B. 1453 merged with S.B. 1211, A.L. 2025 H.B. 737 & 486 merged with S.B. 43 merged with S.B. 81 & 174) Prosecution for sexual offense involving person seventeen or under to be commenced within twenty years of offense, 556.037 Statute of limitation in action for damages for sexual contact with person within third degree of consanguinity or affinity, 516.371 (2016) Section creates a cause of action only against the person who allegedly committed the abuse and does not provide a cause of action against non-perpetrators. State ex rel. Heart of America v. McKenzie, 484 S.W.3d 320 (Mo.).
Related Missouri laws
Civil action for damages authorized, sexual and pornographic offenses involving a minor
RSMo 537.047
Parent or guardian liable for damages by minor, when, limitation
RSMo 537.045
Civil action not merged in criminal prosecution
RSMo 537.050
Sale of alcoholic beverage may be proximate cause of personal injuries or death
RSMo 537.053
Emergency care or assistance at scene of emergency or accident
RSMo 537.038
Operation of a motorcycle not evidence of comparative negligence
RSMo 537.055
Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.