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Bill

Bill

A 3384

Extends statute of limitations for civil cases arising from human trafficking.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Rosy Bagolie and 5 co-sponsors

New Jersey bill extends deadline for trafficking victims to file civil lawsuits, allowing more time to seek damages from traffickers and liable parties.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee
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Bill Summary · A 3384

Legislative bill overview

Assembly Bill A 3384 extends the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits in human trafficking cases in New Jersey. This means victims would have more time to pursue legal action and seek damages against their traffickers and potentially complicit parties. The bill was introduced in January 2026 and is currently under review by the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

Why is this important

Human trafficking survivors often face significant barriers to reporting and pursuing legal action, including trauma, fear, financial constraints, and difficulty identifying all responsible parties. Extending the statute of limitations provides victims with extended opportunity to seek civil remedies and compensation for damages. This change acknowledges the psychological and practical realities trafficking survivors face in coming forward.

Potential points of contention

  • Fairness to defendants: Extended timelines may challenge defendants' ability to gather evidence or mount defenses for incidents occurring long in the past, raising due process concerns
  • Scope definition: Unclear whether extensions apply only to direct traffickers or also to businesses, organizations, and institutions that may have facilitated trafficking
  • Comparison with criminal law: Questions about whether civil statute extensions should align with or differ from New Jersey's criminal trafficking statute of limitations
  • Implementation costs: Potential fiscal impact on courts and legal system from increased civil litigation related to older cases

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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