Bill
S 1040
The bill would lengthen the statute of limitations for rape, sexual assault, and human trafficking offenses from 15 to 30 years in Massachusetts.
Note on sources
- The materials provided include multiple, unrelated documents that share the identifier “S 1040” (including an Idaho irrigation‑district bill and other federal/state references). This summary pertains only to the Massachusetts Senate Docket No. 1972 / S.1040 titled above (filed by Senator Nick Collins on 01/17/2025).
Purpose and intent
- The bill seeks to lengthen the criminal statute of limitations for certain sex‑ and trafficking‑related offenses, with the stated aim of giving survivors more time to come forward and allowing prosecutors additional time to bring charges for serious sexual and human‑trafficking crimes.
Key provision
- Amendment to Section 63 of Chapter 277 of the Massachusetts General Laws:
- Replaces the current 15‑year statute of limitations period with a 30‑year period. The bill language is concise: striking the figure “15” and inserting “30.”
Who is affected
- Primary beneficiaries: survivors/victims of rape, sexual assault, and human trafficking — they would have a longer period in which criminal charges may be initiated.
- Prosecutors and law enforcement: extended investigatory/prosecutorial window for qualifying offenses.
- Defendants and defense counsel: longer exposure to potential prosecution; potential evidentiary and fairness concerns for older cases.
- Courts: may see filings in older cases previously time‑barred (subject to any retroactivity rules).
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Filed: 01/17/2025 (Senate Docket No. 1972).
- Sponsor/petitioner: Senator Nick Collins (First Suffolk).
- Committee referral: Judiciary (bill text indicates Judiciary consideration).
- Hearing scheduled: 06/17/2025, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM (room A‑2) per docket entry.
- Related matter: similar bill filed previously (Senate No. 919 of 2023–2024).
Implementation and legal considerations
- The bill text amends only the numerical limitation (15 → 30). It does not, on its face, state whether the change is retroactive or prospective. Whether the longer limitation applies to offenses committed before enactment (especially where the prior 15‑year limit already expired) could raise legal issues (e.g., ex post facto or due‑process challenges) and is likely to be clarified in bill debate, drafting of implementing language, or subsequent judicial decisions.
- Practical impacts may include renewed investigations into older offenses, evidentiary challenges in prosecutions of decades‑old conduct, and potential increases in case filings if enacted.
For further detail
- Full text: amendment to Section 63, chapter 277 (as appears in the bill packet).
- Committee hearing docket: Judiciary, 06/17/2025, A‑2.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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