Bill > SB0196

This bill modifies Indiana's statute of limitations for certain sexual offenses, specifically allowing prosecution of Level 3 felony rape and child molesting offenses to be commenced at any time, regardless of when the crime occurred. The bill amends existing law to remove time restrictions for these specific Level 3 felony sex crimes against victims. Previously, most felonies had a five-year statute of limitations, with some exceptions for DNA evidence or discovery. The new language explicitly adds Level 3 felony rape and child molesting to the list of offenses that can be prosecuted without a time limit, joining other serious felonies like Class A felonies and Level 1 and 2 felonies that already had no statute of limitations. This change aims to provide more time for victims to come forward and for prosecutors to pursue cases, particularly in situations where evidence might take longer to emerge or where victims may need more time to report sexual crimes. The bill also includes a provision that allows prosecution under previous time extension provisions even if the original statute of limitations has expired, further expanding potential legal recourse for these serious offenses.

Justice

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/senate/196/details