New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S00116

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  
Engrossed
5/14/25  
Refer
5/14/25  
Refer
1/7/26  
Engrossed
2/11/26  

Caption

Extends the statute of limitations of actions related to certain sex trafficking offenses, reviving such actions otherwise barred by the existing statute of limitations; grants trial preference to such actions; exempts such actions from certain provisions requiring notice of claims.

Summary

Bill S00116 amends various laws related to the statute of limitations for criminal and civil actions concerning sex trafficking offenses, particularly those involving minors. It allows for the prosecution of certain sex trafficking crimes at any time, irrespective of when they occurred, and revives civil actions that were previously barred due to expired statutes of limitations. The bill also grants trial preference to these revived actions, ensuring they are prioritized in court proceedings. Additionally, it exempts these cases from certain procedural requirements, such as the notice of claim provisions, which typically apply to civil lawsuits against public entities.

Impact

The bill significantly alters the landscape of legal recourse available to victims of sex trafficking and related offenses in New York. By extending the statute of limitations indefinitely for certain crimes and reviving previously barred civil actions, it enhances the ability of victims to seek justice and compensation. The exemptions from notice of claim requirements streamline the process for victims to file lawsuits against public entities, thereby increasing accessibility to legal remedies. This legislation may lead to an increase in the number of cases brought forward, potentially impacting the judicial system's handling of such cases.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S00116 appears overwhelmingly positive, as indicated by the unanimous votes in both the Senate Codes Committee and the Senate Floor. The bill received strong bipartisan support, reflecting a collective acknowledgment of the importance of addressing sex trafficking and providing victims with the necessary legal tools to pursue justice. The discussions leading to the votes indicate a shared commitment to protecting vulnerable populations, particularly minors, from exploitation.

Contention

While the bill has garnered broad support, there may be underlying concerns regarding the potential implications for public entities and the judicial system's capacity to handle an influx of revived cases. Some stakeholders might argue that the removal of notice of claim requirements could lead to an increase in frivolous lawsuits or strain resources. However, no significant opposition has been documented in the available discussions or voting records.

Companion Bills

NY A02575

Same As Extends the statute of limitations of actions related to certain sex trafficking offenses, reviving such actions otherwise barred by the existing statute of limitations; grants trial preference to such actions; exempts such actions from certain provisions requiring notice of claims.

Previously Filed As

NY S00349

Extends the statute of limitations of actions related to certain sex trafficking offenses, reviving such actions otherwise barred by the existing statute of limitations; grants trial preference to such actions; exempts such actions from certain provisions requiring notice of claims.

NY A01940

Extends the statute of limitations of actions related to certain sex trafficking offenses, reviving such actions otherwise barred by the existing statute of limitations; grants trial preference to such actions; exempts such actions from certain provisions requiring notice of claims.

NY A02575

Extends the statute of limitations of actions related to certain sex trafficking offenses, reviving such actions otherwise barred by the existing statute of limitations; grants trial preference to such actions; exempts such actions from certain provisions requiring notice of claims.

NY A08222

Relates to the statute of limitations for certain deed theft actions; revives such actions otherwise barred by the existing statute of limitations and states who may bring such actions; grants trial preference to such actions; directs the chief administrator of the courts to promulgate rules for the timely adjudication of certain revived actions.

NY S07491

Relates to the statute of limitations for certain deed theft actions; revives such actions otherwise barred by the existing statute of limitations and states who may bring such actions; grants trial preference to such actions; directs the chief administrator of the courts to promulgate rules for the timely adjudication of certain revived actions.

NY S09960

Establishes the crimes of benefiting from a labor trafficking venture, benefiting from a sex trafficking venture and aggravated benefiting from a sex trafficking venture; establishes civil action for victims of benefiting from a trafficking venture; revives such actions otherwise barred by the existing statute of limitations, grants trial preference to such actions; directs the chief administrator of the courts to promulgate rules for the timely adjudication of certain revived actions.

NY S09817

Establishes a private right of action against mental health professionals who engaged in sexual orientation change efforts, revives such actions otherwise barred by the existing statute of limitations and grants trial preference to such actions.

NY S09781

Removes statute of limitations for certain civil actions related to child sexual assault offenses.

NY A11306

Establishes a private right of action against mental health professionals who engaged in sexual orientation change efforts and revives such actions otherwise barred by the existing statute of limitations

NY LD1427

An Act Extending the Statute of Limitations on Criminal Actions Involving Aggravated Sex Trafficking

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.