New JerseyBill would remove unexpired deadlines for certain trafficking and sex offense cases
If enacted, prosecutors and people seeking damages could bring covered trafficking, sex offense, and child endangerment cases without a deadline if current filing deadlines remain open.
What it does
Prosecutors could bring charges for covered trafficking crimes, criminal sexual contact, and child endangerment at any time if the current prosecution deadline has not passed when the bill takes effect.
People with civil claims tied to listed trafficking crimes, sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, or child endangerment could sue at any time if their current filing deadlines remain open when the bill takes effect.
People harmed by covered sexual acts as children or adults could sue without a time limit if their current deadline remains open when the bill takes effect. Injuries before a 2019 law took effect may face other rules.
Argument forPeople with covered claims that are still timely could have more time to gather evidence and seek damages for sexual harm.
Argument againstDefendants in covered lawsuits that are still timely could face claims years later, when witnesses and records may be harder to find.
More detail
Prosecutors could bring covered criminal charges without a time limit. The charges cover listed human trafficking crimes, criminal sexual contact, and child endangerment. The rule would take effect immediately if the bill becomes law and would cover only offenses not already barred from prosecution on that date.
People with covered civil claims could sue without a time limit. The claims arise from listed trafficking crimes, sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, or child endangerment. The rule would take effect immediately if the bill becomes law and would cover only claims whose current deadlines have not expired on that date.
People harmed by covered sexual acts could sue for injuries without a time limit. It covers people harmed by sexual assault or other sex crimes at any age, and people harmed by certain sexual acts or sexual abuse before age 18. For injuries that happened before a 2019 law took effect, other rules may apply. The rule would take effect immediately if the bill becomes law and would cover only claims whose current deadlines have not expired on that date.
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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 5Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary CommitteeIntroduced
Criminal JusticePublic Safety