New JerseyPeople would have six years to sue others after certain killings
People would have six years after certain murder or manslaughter deaths to sue someone besides the accused if a court convicted the accused or made another required ruling.
What it does
For deaths caused by murder or manslaughter, people would have six years to sue someone besides the accused if the accused was convicted, found not guilty because of insanity, or found delinquent.
Argument forMore time could help people gather evidence before suing someone besides the accused over a death involving murder or manslaughter.
Argument againstPeople sued over a qualifying death could have a harder time finding witnesses or records if a case arrives years later.
More detail
People would have six years after the death to file a qualifying wrongful death lawsuit against someone besides the accused. This covers deaths caused by murder, aggravated manslaughter, or manslaughter when the accused was convicted, found not guilty because of insanity, or found delinquent. A court could still pause the deadline because of the person suing's mental state, a disability, coercion by the defendant, or another fair reason. If enacted, this rule would take effect immediately and apply to lawsuits filed on or after that date, even if the killing happened earlier.
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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 1Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary CommitteeIntroduced
Criminal Justice