Summary of Bill S 844

Bill Information

• Bill Number: S 844
• Title: Relates to the tolling of statute of limitations for individuals in state custody
• Status: PRINT NUMBER 844A
• Introduced: January 08, 2025
• Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 844 aims to address the issue of the statute of limitations for individuals who are in state custody. The primary intent is to ensure that the legal time limits for filing claims or initiating lawsuits are paused (or "tolled") for individuals who are incarcerated or otherwise in state custody. This provision is designed to protect the rights of those who may be unable to pursue legal actions due to their confinement.

Key Provisions

• Tolling of Statute of Limitations: The bill proposes that the statute of limitations for civil actions be suspended for the duration of an individual's custody. This means that if a person is incarcerated, the time limit for filing a lawsuit would not run while they are in custody.
• Applicability: The tolling would apply to all individuals in state custody, including those awaiting trial, serving sentences, or held in detention facilities.

Who Would Be Affected

• Individuals in Custody: The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be individuals who are currently incarcerated or in state custody. This includes a wide range of individuals, from those awaiting trial to those serving sentences for various offenses.
• Legal System: The bill may also impact the legal system by potentially increasing the number of claims filed after individuals are released from custody, as they would have additional time to pursue legal actions.

Legislative Actions and Timeline

• Introduced: January 08, 2025
• Referred to Judiciary: January 08, 2025
• Amend and Recommit: February 05, 2025
• Print Number Updated: February 05, 2025 (to 844A)

Related Bills

• S 7796: A related bill from the prior session that may address similar issues regarding the rights of individuals in custody.
• A 649: A companion bill that likely mirrors the provisions of S 844 in the Assembly.

Conclusion

Bill S 844 seeks to provide critical legal protections for individuals in state custody by tolling the statute of limitations for civil actions. This measure aims to ensure that those who are unable to pursue legal claims due to their incarceration are not disadvantaged by strict time limits. The bill is currently under consideration in the Judiciary Committee, with amendments being proposed to refine its provisions.