Ohio Lawmakers Propose Extending Sexual Assault Statute of Limitations

Bipartisan bill would increase civil lawsuit window from 1 to 5 years

Apr. 18, 2026 at 3:34am

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty government office space, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows across the floor, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation around the political process.As Ohio lawmakers consider extending the civil statute of limitations for sexual assault, the quiet contemplation of the political process reflects the complex challenges survivors face in seeking justice.Columbus Today

Two Ohio state senators, one Republican and one Democrat, have introduced legislation to extend the civil statute of limitations for survivors of sexual assault from one year to five years. The lawmakers say the current one-year window is one of the shortest in the country and prevents many victims from seeking justice.

Why it matters

The bill aims to give survivors more time to come forward and pursue civil cases against their attackers, which often have a lower burden of proof than criminal cases. Supporters say this could lead to more perpetrators being held accountable, even if criminal charges are not possible.

The details

Senate Bill 421, sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) and Sen. Nathan Manning (R-North Ridgeville), would extend Ohio's civil statute of limitations for sexual assault from one year to five years. The lawmakers say Ohio currently has one of the shortest such time periods in the country, with most other states allowing two to ten years for civil suits.

  • The bill was introduced this week in the Ohio legislature.
  • The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the bill on Wednesday.

The players

Nickie Antonio

Democratic state senator and Senate Minority Leader who co-sponsored the bill.

Nathan Manning

Republican state senator and former prosecutor who co-sponsored the bill.

Louis Blessing III

Republican state senator who expressed surprise at Ohio's current one-year statute of limitations during the committee hearing.

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What they’re saying

“Across the country, Tennessee and Ohio are the two states that only have one year after a crime has been committed for a civil case to be brought forward by a survivor.”

— Nickie Antonio, State Senator

“Sometimes prosecutors unfortunately can't bring cases because the evidence maybe isn't there to prove beyond all reasonable doubt, but you can bring it as an individual because of that lower standard there.”

— Nathan Manning, State Senator and Former Prosecutor

“I have to ask a painful question with this, I mean, are we the worst in the country at one year?”

— Louis Blessing III, State Senator

What’s next

The bill will now proceed through the Ohio legislative process, with a vote expected in the coming months.

The takeaway

This bipartisan effort to extend the statute of limitations for sexual assault civil cases in Ohio reflects a growing recognition that the current one-year window is too short and prevents many survivors from seeking justice. If passed, the new five-year timeline could lead to more perpetrators being held accountable, even if criminal charges are not possible.