Senate unanimously approves bill to remove statute of limitations for human trafficking cases

The New York State Senate on Thursday passed Senate print 1-16, a bill amending the Criminal Procedure Law to eliminate the criminal statute of limitations for human trafficking offenses and to extend the period during which survivors may file civil suits. The measure passed on a 57-0 vote and will take effect immediately.

The bill’s sponsor, Senator Cleary, said the measure responds to survivors’ needs and longer timelines for reporting and pursuing justice. “Upon election to the senate, I made it my mission to work to eradicate human trafficking,” Cleary said on the floor, arguing the change will help prosecutors and give survivors a path to civil remedies.

Senator Martins, who spoke in favor of the bill on the floor but criticized the legislative process, urged scrutiny of why similar language had been removed from the final executive budget this year and faulted the State Assembly’s committee process. “There is one group that is missing,” Martins said, calling the bill’s hold-up in the Assembly “an absolute disgrace.”

Sponsors and supporters said the bill aims both to increase the ability of district attorneys to prosecute trafficking cases and to expand civil remedies for survivors. The bill passed with the support of every senator voting, and the Secretary announced the result as “Ayes, 57.”

The measure amends the Criminal Procedure Law and takes effect immediately; supporters said it will allow prosecutors and civil plaintiffs more time to pursue cases of trafficking that often surface years after abuse and exploitation.

Senate staff said the bill has passed the Senate in prior sessions and has received repeated support there; sponsors urged the Assembly to move the companion measure to final enactment.