Summary of Bill S 116

Bill Information

• Bill Number: S 116
• Title: Relates to the statute of limitations of actions related to certain sex trafficking offenses
• Status: Referred to Codes
• Introduced: January 08, 2025
• Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 116 aims to amend the statute of limitations for legal actions related to specific sex trafficking offenses. The primary intent of this legislation is to provide survivors of sex trafficking with a longer period to file civil claims against their traffickers, thereby enhancing their ability to seek justice and compensation for the harms they have suffered.

Key Provisions

• Extended Statute of Limitations: The bill proposes to extend the time frame within which victims of certain sex trafficking offenses can initiate legal actions. This change is intended to recognize the complexities and challenges faced by survivors in coming forward and seeking justice.
• Specific Offenses Covered: While the bill outlines the specific offenses related to sex trafficking that would be affected, the details of these offenses are typically defined in the accompanying legal text.
• Civil Actions: The legislation focuses on civil claims, allowing victims to pursue damages in civil court rather than solely relying on criminal prosecutions.

Who Would Be Affected

• Survivors of Sex Trafficking: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are individuals who have been victims of sex trafficking. By extending the statute of limitations, the bill aims to empower these individuals to seek justice and financial restitution.
• Traffickers and Related Parties: Individuals and entities involved in sex trafficking may face increased legal exposure as a result of the extended time frame for victims to file claims against them.

Legislative Timeline

• Introduced: January 08, 2025
• Referred to Codes: January 08, 2025
• 1st Report Calendar: January 27, 2025
• 2nd Report Calendar: January 28, 2025
• Advanced to Third Reading: February 03, 2025
• Passed Senate: May 14, 2025
• Delivered to Assembly: May 14, 2025
• Referred to Codes (Assembly): May 14, 2025

Related Bills

• S 8722 (prior-session): A related bill from a previous legislative session that may address similar issues.
• S 349 (prior-session): Another prior-session bill that could have implications for sex trafficking legislation.
• A 2575 (companion): A companion bill in the Assembly that aligns with the objectives of S 116.

Conclusion

Bill S 116 represents a significant step towards improving the legal framework for survivors of sex trafficking by extending the statute of limitations for civil actions. This legislative change aims to provide victims with the necessary time and support to pursue justice, reflecting a growing recognition of the complexities surrounding the trauma of trafficking.