New JerseyHuman trafficking cases would lose deadlines for charges and lawsuits
Human trafficking cases and some sexual contact charges would have no filing deadline, unless their deadlines have already expired when the law takes effect.
What it does
Prosecutors would have no deadline to bring human trafficking charges or certain criminal sexual contact charges. Cases already past their deadline when the law takes effect would stay barred.
People harmed by human trafficking would have no deadline to sue under the state's trafficking law. Lawsuits already past their deadline when the law takes effect would stay barred.
Argument forRemoving the deadline for still-eligible trafficking lawsuits could give victims more time to prepare a case and seek compensation.
Argument againstAllowing eligible cases many years later could make it harder for defendants to find witnesses or records for their defense.
More detail
Prosecutors would be allowed to bring covered criminal charges at any time. This covers the listed human trafficking offenses and only sexual contact offenses under subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:14-3. Cases must still be within their prosecution deadline on the effective date. The change would take effect immediately if enacted.
People harmed by human trafficking would be allowed to file covered lawsuits at any time. This covers lawsuits under the state's trafficking law for injuries from trafficking, including lost money or property. Lawsuits must still be within their filing deadline on the effective date. The change would take effect immediately if enacted.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Oct 29Passed Assembly (Passed Both Houses) (79-0-0)Passed 2nd Chamber
- Oct 29Substituted for A3384 (ACS)
- Oct 22Reported out of Assembly Committee, 2nd ReadingMinor
- Oct 15Reported and Referred to Assembly Appropriations CommitteeMinor
- Jun 30Received in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Judiciary CommitteeMinor
- Jun 30Passed by the Senate (40-0)Passed 1st Chamber
- Jun 28Reported from Senate Committee with Amendments, 2nd ReadingMinor
- Jun 26Recommitted to Senate Budget and Appropriations CommitteeMinor
- Jun 24Reported from Senate Committee with Amendments, 2nd ReadingMinor
- Jun 11Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations CommitteeMinor
- Jun 11Reported from Senate Committee as a Substitute, 2nd ReadingMinor
- Jan 13Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary CommitteeIntroduced
Criminal Justice