SB 577: Child Sexual Abuse Lawsuits Against California Schools

California Senate Bill 577 is a law that changes how survivors file childhood sexual abuse lawsuits against public entities, including schools and counties. Authored by state Sen. John Laird, it was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sept. 30, 2026.

The state previously opened the door for survivors to sue over decades-old abuse through AB 218, which gave people more time to file claims and temporarily reopened cases with deadlines that had passed. SB 577 changes certain conditions in AB 218.

Unlike AB 218, SB 577 modifies how public-agency lawsuits are handled, tightening evidentiary standards and compensation rules for certain older claims.

Some survivors aged 40 or older who bring claims related to abuse before 2024 can face a higher standard of proof that the agency knew about misconduct and failed to protect them. It also shortens the amount of time to file a claim after a survivor aged 40 or older discovers (or reasonably should have discovered) any psychological effects from the abuse.

In addition, the law adds measures intended to prevent abuse, improve reporting and strengthen oversight of settings where children receive care, including foster care and juvenile facilities.

California passed SB 577 in part because lawsuits against schools and counties increased after AB 218 expanded survivors’ access to the courts, resulting in large verdicts and settlements. For example, Los Angeles County settled thousands of survivor claims related to the former MacLaren Children’s Center and other county facilities for $4 billion.

These large settlements put a strain on budgets for staff, student programs and maintenance of school buildings.

It took about two years of negotiations between schools, the local government and survivor advocates to reach an agreement.

SB 577 primarily affects survivors aged 40 or older who file a claim for abuse that occurred before Jan. 1, 2024, against public entities. These entities include public schools, districts and city- or county-run foster care or juvenile facilities.

It does not affect claims where the abuse happened after Jan. 1, 2024, or claims against private institutions.

SB 577 does not prevent every survivor from seeking compensation. For example, AB 452 removed the deadline to file a lawsuit for abuse that occurred on or after Jan. 1, 2024, and AB 218 still applies to lawsuits against private institutions.

You don’t need to figure out these laws on your own. An experienced and compassionate lawyer can help you figure out your legal options.

SB 577 changes some filing deadlines, evidence requirements and compensation rules for childhood sexual abuse lawsuits. Understanding which changes apply to you can help you consider your next steps.

Many of these changes take effect on Jan. 1, 2027, but make sure to consult a lawyer about which deadlines apply to your situation.

Some survivors may need “clear and convincing evidence” (proof that leaves the judge or jury highly confident a fact is true). This standard covers certain public-agency lawsuits filed on or after Jan. 1, 2026, by survivors age 40 or older for childhood abuse that occurred before Jan. 1, 2024.

They may need to show that the agency knew about misconduct that resulted in abuse and failed to take reasonable steps to protect children. Survivors should also show that the agency negligently failed to carry out a duty required by law.

Survivor advocates have raised concerns that people coming forward later in life may have fewer records or other evidence available.

For childhood abuse before Jan. 1, 2024, SB 577 generally allows filing claims against a public entity until age 40, or within three years after discovering the psychological impact, whichever is later.

The discovery rule was five years under AB 218. If you are suing a private entity or an individual, the statute of limitations remains five years.

AB 452 removed any statute of limitations for sexual assault or abuse that occurred on Jan. 1, 2024, or later. If the abuse didn’t occur in California, check the sexual abuse statutes by state to make sure you understand the deadlines.

Other changes to laws that govern lawsuits against public agencies affect the damages you can win, what you need to provide when filing and how settlements are paid out.

These changes under SB 577 don’t automatically mean you can no longer seek compensation. If you’re unsure how they affect you, consider asking an attorney to review your situation and explain your options at a pace that feels comfortable.

The bill also adds certain safeguards intended to prevent abuse and improve how institutions respond to abuse warning signs. These changes will slowly roll out from 2027 through 2028.

Schools, counties and cities must adopt codes of conduct and sexual assault prevention plans by Dec. 1, 2027. These should address boundaries between adults and children, limits on private communications and how abuse concerns are reported. Counties and cities must submit their codes of conduct to the attorney general by Jan. 1, 2028.

The law also expands required training for workers who must report suspected child abuse, including probation officers and social workers, to cover grooming and sexual abuse risks.

Starting July 1, 2028, covered children’s residential facilities and foster-family placements must receive closer monitoring after one substantiated allegation or two credible allegations within a year.

SB 577 directs the attorney general to investigate systemic sexual abuse in Los Angeles County juvenile detention facilities, including what officials knew and how they responded.

Lawmakers also removed a proposed cutoff for certain Los Angeles County facility-related claims from the final bill, but this does not eliminate the filing deadlines that otherwise apply.

Consult a lawyer to see if you are eligible to file a Los Angeles County juvenile detention center lawsuit.

SB 577, AB 218, AB 452 and AB 2777 address different situations, so the law that applies to you depends partly on your age when the abuse happened, when it occurred and whether you sue a private or public entity.

If you were sexually abused as a child by a teacher, coach, counselor or another employee at a California public school, you may still be able to file a lawsuit. You may also have options if you experienced abuse while in county foster care or a juvenile hall.

It’s important to know that SB 577 does not automatically close the door to these claims, although certain older survivors suing public agencies will face stricter requirements. Your legal options will depend on factors such as when the abuse happened, your age when you file a claim and which institution was responsible.

Private-school and church claims are outside SB 577’s higher-proof standard for public agencies, although other filing changes may still apply.

You do not have to determine which rules apply to your claim on your own. Consider asking an attorney to review your situation. Lawyers who handle survivor claims know how to be compassionate and will handle your concerns with care.

If you are considering legal action, start with what you remember and take these steps at a pace that feels manageable:

You do not need to have every detail organized before asking about your options. SB 577 is scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2027, and shortens the discovery-based filing period for older childhood abuse claims from five years to three. So, it’s better to talk to a lawyer sooner rather than later.

A free case review through Consumer Notice can help you connect with the resources you need.

Speaking with an attorney does not obligate you to file a lawsuit. You can share what you feel comfortable discussing to find representation that best fits your needs.