Bill > A01641

This bill removes the statute of limitations for civil actions related to child sexual assault offenses, significantly expanding survivors' ability to seek legal recourse. Specifically, the legislation amends existing civil law to allow victims to file lawsuits at any time for physical, psychological, or other injuries resulting from sexual offenses committed against them when they were under 18 years old. This includes a wide range of sexual crimes defined in the New York Penal Law, such as rape, incest, and sexual performances involving children. The bill eliminates previous time restrictions that previously limited victims to filing claims only before they turned 55 years old, and it also revives previously time-barred claims, giving survivors an opportunity to pursue legal action even for past incidents that would have been blocked by earlier statutes of limitations. Additionally, the law clarifies that a criminal conviction is not required to bring a civil action, and provides certain legal protections and defenses for defendants. This legislative change aims to provide greater legal opportunities for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to seek justice and compensation, recognizing the long-lasting impact of such traumatic experiences.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1641