HD 642 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act amending the victim of violent crime compensation law

This bill extends the time limit for victims of childhood sexual abuse to file compensation claims under Massachusetts law. It allows the statute of limitations to begin only when a victim first connects their abuse to current harm, as documented by a licensed mental health professional. The professional's report stating when this connection occurred serves as strong evidence in claims. This directly affects minor victims who delayed recognizing how abuse caused their harm, making it easier to seek compensation years later. The law modifies existing procedures to better accommodate the delayed recognition common in childhood sexual abuse cases.
Bill status Introduction 0 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor