Antonio Celebrates Passage of Bill to Extend Civil Statute of Limitations

Today, Senate Democratic Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) and state Senator Nathan Manning (R-North Ridgeville) celebrated the Senate’s unanimous passage of Senate Bill 421, their bill that extends Ohio's civil statute of limitations for sexual offenses from one year to five years.

“I am pleased to see the legislature take this important step in the reform of our criminal justice system,” said Antonio. “I’m especially grateful to have worked on this bill with Senator Manning, advocates from the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence, and the Ohio Domestic Violence Network for their tireless work and support throughout this process. By working collectively to empower Ohioans through survivor-centered legislation, we are one step closer to improving access to justice and reconciliation for every survivor in the state of Ohio.” 

By extending the statute of limitations from one year to five years, the legislation provides survivors with additional time to process their experiences, access support services and pursue civil remedies when they are ready.

“Often, the statute of limitations has already run out by the time survivors are able to pursue civil charges, leaving them with no way to compensate for the losses that occurred as a result of a sexual assault,” said Manning. “Increasing the statute of limitations will give victims more opportunities to obtain justice in Ohio.”

The bill seeks to strengthen accountability by ensuring Ohio’s legal framework better reflects the realities faced by survivors, while promoting a more responsive justice system.  

“Many survivors try to seek accountability through the civil legal system because it provides a pathway to recognition and accountability that they can initiate themselves. Yet too often in Ohio, survivors lose the opportunity to pursue civil action before they are emotionally, mentally, or financially prepared to come forward," Emily Gemar, Director of Public Policy for Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence, noted.

Senate Bill 421 now heads to the Ohio House of Representatives for consideration.