What is a lookback window for sexual abuse claims?
Last checked: 15 October 2026
A lookback window, also called a revival window, is a set period during which people can file civil claims that were already past the legal deadline. Michigan's Justice for Survivors bills SB 257 and HB 6047 would open a window of 1 year after the law takes effect. As of 15 October 2026, the bills have not passed the House, so no window is open in Michigan.
The window in the Michigan bills
- It would revive claims by people who were victims of criminal sexual conduct before the law takes effect, where the claim was already too old.
- Those claims could be filed within 1 year after the law takes effect.
- Damages on a revived claim would be capped at $1,500,000 for one claimant against one defendant, for each incident.
- SB 257 only takes effect if SB 258 and SB 259 also become law.
Michigan's earlier window, 2018
Michigan law already contains one narrow window. It allowed claims within 90 days after the 2018 law took effect, only against a person convicted of first degree criminal sexual conduct who admitted using a position of authority as a physician, or medical treatment that was unethical or unacceptable. That window has closed.
How other states handled older claims
| State | What the law did |
|---|---|
| New York | The Child Victims Act of 2019 opened a 1-year revival window on 14 August 2019. A later law (Senate bill S7082, chapter 130 of 2020) extended the window by 1 year. |
| Maryland | The Child Victims Act of 2023 (chapter 6), in force from 1 October 2023, repealed the deadline for certain civil actions for child sexual abuse, applied it to older claims, and set limits on damages. |
Michigan's current deadlines.Where the bills stand.
Sources
- SB 257 as passed by the Michigan Senate: legislature.mi.gov
- MCL 600.5851b: legislature.mi.gov
- New York Senate bill S7082 of 2019, with sponsor memo: nysenate.gov
- Maryland HB 1 of 2023, Child Victims Act of 2023: mgaleg.maryland.gov