Late on October 13, 2019, Governor Newsom signed AB 218 (Gonzalez), which among other things, substantially extends the statute of limitations to bring a civil action against an employer, including school districts, public agencies and others, where there has been a claim against an employee of that organization for alleged child sexual abuse. The statute of limitations in AB 218 is 22 years after the plaintiff attains majority (i.e., 40 years old) or anytime thereafter within five years of discovering related psychological injury. The bill also implements treble damages and retroactively revives, for three years, all claims that would otherwise be barred because of applicable statute of limitations, for which no monetary reserve has been collected.

From the beginning, CAJPA led a sustained effort in opposing this bill, forming a coalition of risk pools, education partners, and nonprofits that testified before numerous legislative policy and fiscal committees, met with dozens of legislators, committee and department staff, and the Administration. We would like to thank those that responded to CAJPA’s call to action by contacting Governor Newsom via phone and email to request his veto. 

Please consult with legal counsel about the impact of AB 218 on individual claims.