Bill > A4966

This bill extends the statute of limitations for civil cases arising from human trafficking, providing survivors with more time to seek legal recourse. Specifically, the bill allows civil actions to be commenced by the later of: 10 years after the cause of action accrued, 10 years after the injured person reaches 18 years old (if they were a minor at the time of injury), or two years from the date of reasonable discovery of the injury and its connection to the offense. The bill includes important provisions that pause (or "toll") the statute of limitations if the plaintiff is under a disability, such as being institutionalized for mental illness or in a medically comatose state. Additionally, the law prevents defendants from claiming the statute of limitations has expired if they used duress, threats, intimidation, manipulation, or fraud to prevent the plaintiff from bringing a timely action. Victims can sue not only the offender, but also those acting in concert with the offender, those deriving financial benefit from the offense, and those knowingly maintaining trafficking victims. The court can award damages including compensation for pain and suffering, medical costs, and reasonable attorney's fees, with damages calculated based on the value of the victim's labor or services.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A4966