Contact Congress about S. 3815: Virginia's Law

Victims of certain federal sex abuse and trafficking crimes could sue for money in federal court. Some cases would get a 10-year deadline, while some serious crimes would have no deadline at all. The bill also opens a one-year window for some old claims to be filed again.

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Virginia's Law is a Senate bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S554-555; text: CR S555).

Latest action on S. 3815: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S554-555; text: CR S555)

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects victims of certain federal sexual abuse, sex trafficking, forced labor, and related transportation crimes. It also affects people and businesses accused of committing those crimes or knowingly making money from them. Federal courts would handle these lawsuits, and some old cases could come back during the one-year look-back period.

Why this matters: This bill matters because it would give victims another way to seek money and accountability, even if a criminal case does not fully address the harm. It also recognizes that many victims do not come forward right away. By extending or removing filing deadlines, and by reopening some older claims for one year, the bill could let more people bring cases that they could not bring before. At the same time, the bill could lead to more lawsuits over older events, and the full effect on courts, victims, and defendants is not clear from the bill alone.

Key provisions in S. 3815

• Victims of certain federal sexual abuse crimes could sue in civil court for money. The bill creates that new right in a new section, 18 U.S.C. 2249.
• Victims of certain federal crimes for transporting people for illegal sexual activity and related crimes could also sue in civil court. The bill creates that new right in a new section, 18 U.S.C. 2430.
• Victims could sue more than the person who directly harmed them. They could also sue people or businesses that knowingly benefited, or tried or agreed to benefit, from a venture involved in these crimes.
• Victims could file these lawsuits in any federal district court that could hear a related criminal case based on the same conduct.
• Federal judges would have to pause the civil case during a related criminal investigation or prosecution about the same events. That pause lasts while the matter is still in the trial court.

How Modern Action helps you take action on S. 3815

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about S. 3815

What is S. 3815?

Victims of certain federal sex abuse and trafficking crimes could sue for money in federal court. Some cases would get a 10-year deadline, while some serious crimes would have no deadline at all. The bill also opens a one-year window for some old claims to be filed again.

How do I support or oppose S. 3815?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about S. 3815?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain S. 3815 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.