Bill · H.R. 7467· House(119-HR-7467)
Virginia’s Law
- Introduced
- 2/10/2026
- Last activity
- 2/10/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Teresa Leger Fernandez
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as "Virginia's Law," seeks to amend title 18 of the United States Code. It creates a civil cause of action for victims of certain crimes to sue perpetrators or those who knowingly benefit from such acts. The legislation also eliminates specific statutes of limitations for various civil actions related to these crimes. It establishes rules for when civil actions must be filed and how they interact with ongoing criminal investigations. Additionally, it includes a one-year look-back period for certain previously barred actions.
Yes· 3 of 13
Would children be better off under this?+7
The bill specifically extends the timeline for victims who were minors at the time of the offense to seek justice.
Would women be better off under this?+6
The bill provides expanded civil remedies for victims of sexual abuse which disproportionately impacts women.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?+6
The bill expands legal rights by establishing new civil remedies and removing certain statute of limitations barriers for victims.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Right to Seek Damages: Victims of sexual abuse or crimes involving transportation for illegal sexual activity can bring civil actions to recover damages and reasonable attorneys fees (Section 2, Sec. 2249(a) and Sec. 2430(a)).
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Expanded Liability: The bill allows victims to sue not just the perpetrator, but also those who knowingly benefit, attempt to benefit, or conspire to benefit financially or by receiving anything of value from the crime (Section 2, Sec. 2249(a) and Sec. 2430(a)).
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Removal of Time Limits for Specific Crimes: For certain violations, such as those involving sections 2241, 2242, 2243, 2421, 2422, 2423, 1589, 1590, or 1591, there is no time limit for filing a complaint (Section 2, Sec. 2249(c)(2); Sec. 2430(c)(2); Section 3).
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Opportunity for Past Claims: Through a 1-year look-back period, individuals may commence "covered actions" that were previously barred due to time limits (Section 4, Sec. 4(b)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Delayed Legal Proceedings: Civil actions are required to be stayed while a criminal action—including the investigation and prosecution—is pending until final adjudication in the trial court (Section 2, Sec. 2249(b)(1) and Sec. 2430(b)(1)).
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Strict Filing Deadlines for Most Claims: For many actions, there are specific time limits; no action may be maintained unless it is started within 10 years of the cause of action or 10 years after a minor victim reaches age 18 (Section 2, Sec. 2249(c)(1) and Sec. 2430(c)(1)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+7Good For Women+6Good For Young Adults+5Good For Low Income Households+3Good For African Americans+1Good For Asian Americans+1Good For Hispanic Americans+1Good For Native Americans+1Good For Seniors+1Good For White Americans+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Due Process+6
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+1Improves Racial Equity+1
- 5/26/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/26/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 2/10/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Pramila JayapalDemocrat · Washington
Jamie RaskinDemocrat · Maryland
Suhas SubramanyamDemocrat · Virginia