On October 13, 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 250 into law, creating a special two-year window—from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027—for adult survivors of sexual assault to file civil lawsuits, even if the statute of limitations has already expired. This law is part of California’s broader legislative movement to provide survivors greater opportunity to seek justice from perpetrators and enabling entities, particularly where institutions may have actively concealed wrongful acts.

Understanding AB 250

What is California AB 250 and who can file a lawsuit under this new law?

AB 250 applies to anyone who was an adult at the time they were sexually assaulted. If you are a survivor of sexual assault, this law allows you to bring a civil lawsuit against the person who harmed you. It also allows you to bring a civil lawsuit against the institution that allowed the assault to happen by covering up information about prior assaults. You can file a lawsuit during this window regardless of how long ago the assault occurred. AB 250 applies only to claims against private entities. You cannot sue a public entity under this law.

Can I file a lawsuit under AB 250 if my assault happened decades ago and I never reported it?

Yes. AB 250 specifically allows survivors to bring civil lawsuits during the two-year window even if the assault occurred many years or even decades ago. The law recognizes that survivors often cannot promptly report their abuse for numerous reasons, including fear, shame, trauma, and concerns about retaliation.

You do not need to have reported the assault to police or any other authority. Many survivors were unable to come forward at the time due to power dynamics, institutional pressure, or personal circumstances that made disclosure unsafe or impossible.

The window closes on December 31, 2027, so survivors should act well before then to preserve their rights.

What does “institutional cover-up” mean, and do I need to prove it to file under AB 250?

Under AB 250, an “institutional cover-up” refers to situations in which an institution (including an employer, a school, a hospital, etc.) actively concealed, ignored, or failed to address prior sexual assaults. This can include:

• Failing to investigate complaints of sexual misconduct
• Moving an accused perpetrator to a different location without addressing the behavior
• Pressuring victims not to report
• Coercing a victim to sign a non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement
• Destroying or hiding evidence of misconduct
• Making false statements about investigations
• Failing to warn others about known risks

To file under AB 250, your claim needs to include allegations that the institution not only failed to prevent your assault but also concealed or ignored previous misconduct. During your consultation, we can assess whether your situation meets these requirements and discuss what evidence may support your claim.

Privacy and Legal Process

Will my identity be kept private if I file an AB 250 lawsuit?

Generally, lawsuits are public records. However, courts often recognize the deeply personal nature of sexual assault cases and may grant motions to proceed anonymously. We work with clients to explore all available options for protecting their identity, including:

• Filing under a pseudonym (such as Jane Doe or John Doe)
• Requesting protective orders to seal certain documents
• Negotiating confidential settlements when appropriate

Next Steps

What should I do right now if I want to file under California’s AB 250?

If you are hoping to file a civil lawsuit under California’s AB 250, get in touch with Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight. Our national Sexual Violence, Title IX, and Victims’ Rights Practice Group has extensive experience handling sexual abuse cases and helping survivors get justice.

We have extensive experience handling cases in California. For example, in 2020 we obtained a $13 million verdict on behalf of 22 young women whose lives suffered irreparable harm after they were coerced into participating in pornographic videos for the online pornography business GirlsDoPorn.com by the site’s owner. The case team, including Cara VanDorn, a Senior Litigation Counsel at Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, worked tirelessly during a two-month trial to get justice for the victims.

We offer a free, confidential consultation. Our team is specially trained to work with survivors and will listen to your story with compassion and understanding. We can explore your options and explain your rights when it comes to pursuing civil claims. There is no obligation, and everything you share during the intake call remains confidential.

Time matters: While the AB 250 filing window extends through December 31, 2027, reaching out sooner allows more time to thoroughly investigate your case and build the strongest possible claim.

Contact Us Today

If you are a sexual assault survivor looking to pursue legal action, please reach out to Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight and fill out the contact form below.