Congress Introduces 'Virginia's Law' to End Statute of Limitations for Civil Sex Abuse Cases

Legislation aims to remove time limits for survivors to file claims and close jurisdictional loopholes

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Democrats in Congress, joined by survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse, introduced legislation on Tuesday named 'Virginia's Law' that seeks to eliminate statutes of limitations and jurisdictional restrictions in civil sexual abuse cases. The bill is intended to address past failures where 'the laws in the books said, 'Sorry, it's too late. The deadline to bring your case has passed.'

Why it matters

Removing the statute of limitations in civil cases represents a significant shift in legal approach, prioritizing the rights of survivors and acknowledging the often-delayed process of recognizing and reporting abuse. This could lead to a surge in claims and potentially reshape legal strategies in similar cases.

The details

The proposed legislation, named Virginia's Law in honor of the late Virginia Giuffre, a prominent accuser of Epstein, seeks to remove time limits for survivors to file civil claims. It also aims to address jurisdictional loopholes that have allowed predators to escape accountability by committing abuses in another jurisdiction. The introduction of the bill was accompanied by the presence of Giuffre's family and representatives from the anti-human trafficking coalition World Without Exploitation.

  • The legislation was introduced on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.
  • In September 2022, Congress passed a law removing the statute of limitations for victims of child sex abuse, but this change did not apply retroactively to crimes committed before that date.

The players

Virginia Giuffre

A prominent accuser of Jeffrey Epstein, the legislation is named in her honor. She died by suicide in 2025.

Chuck Schumer

Senate Minority Leader, who stated the bill is intended to address a past failing where 'the laws in the books said, 'Sorry, it's too late. The deadline to bring your case has passed.'

Teresa Leger Fernández

Congresswoman sponsoring the bill in the House, who emphasized that Virginia's Law would also address jurisdictional loopholes.

Sigrid McCawley

Attorney who represented Giuffre and other survivors, and was present at the announcement.

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor

Calls were made for him to address Congress regarding allegations against him.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.