Bill · S. 3815· Senate(119-S-3815)
Virginia's Law
- Introduced
- 2/10/2026
- Last activity
- 2/10/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S554-555; text: CR S555)
- Sponsored by
- Charles Schumer
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled "Virginia's Law," aims to amend title 18 of the United States Code. It creates a new civil cause of action for victims of certain crimes, allowing them to seek damages and reasonable attorney fees. The legislation also eliminates the statute of limitations for specific civil actions relating to certain crimes. Additionally, it establishes provisions for how these actions are handled during criminal investigations and prosecutions. Finally, the bill includes specific rules regarding the applicability of these changes and a one-year look-back period for certain actions.
Yes· 3 of 7
Would women be better off under this?+6
The bill creates new civil remedies and removes time limits for victims of sexual abuse crimes.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?+6
The bill expands legal recourse for victims by establishing civil causes of action and removing certain statutes of limitations.
Would children be better off under this?+5
The bill eliminates the statute of limitations for certain crimes often involving minors, allowing them more time to seek justice as they reach adulthood.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Civil Remedy for Victims: Victims of certain sexual abuse or crimes related to transportation for illegal sexual activity may bring civil actions against perpetrators or those who knowingly benefit financially from the crimes (Sec. 2, Sec. 2249; Sec. 2, Sec. 2430).
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Recovery of Costs: Victims of these crimes may recover not only damages but also reasonable attorneys fees (Sec. 2, Sec. 2249; Sec. 2, Sec. 2430).
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Removal of Time Limits: For specific violations under sections 2241, 2242, or 2243, as well as sections 2421, 2422, or 2423, there shall be no time limit for filing a complaint (Sec. 2, Sec. 2249; Sec. 2, Sec. 2430). Similarly, there is no time limit for actions under section 1595 relating to sections 1589, 1590, or 1591 (Sec. 3).
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Look Back Period: The bill allows for a one-year period starting on the date of enactment where "covered actions" can be commenced, including those that were previously barred by time limits (Sec. 4).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Delayed Civil Actions: Civil actions must be stayed (paused) while a criminal action, including investigation and prosecution, is pending in a trial court (Sec. 2, Sec. 2249; Sec. 2, Sec. 2430).
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Time Limits for Certain Actions: For some actions, there is a limit to when they must be commenced, specifically the later of 10 years after the cause of action arose or 10 years after the victim reaches 18 years of age if they were a minor (Sec. 2, Sec. 2249; Sec. 2, Sec. 2430).
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 Women+6Good For Children+5Good For Young Adults+4Good For Low Income Households+3Good For African Americans+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Due Process+6
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+1
- 2/10/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S554-555; text: CR S555)
- Introduced in Senate
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.