Bill > S03909

This bill enacts the "New York State Phoenix Act," which extends the statute of limitations for certain family offenses, allowing prosecution of felony family offenses within ten years of their commission (instead of shorter existing timeframes) and misdemeanor family offenses within five years of their commission. The bill is rooted in comprehensive findings about domestic violence, including statistics on its prevalence, the unique challenges faced by survivors (especially in communities of color), and the barriers that prevent victims from reporting abuse. The legislation also mandates extensive, trauma-informed training for law enforcement that covers topics like culturally sensitive response techniques, understanding the nuanced ways domestic violence occurs, and recognizing the disproportionate impact of violence on marginalized communities. By expanding the time victims have to report family offenses, the bill aims to provide more opportunities for survivors to seek justice, acknowledging that many victims may be hesitant to immediately report abuse due to fear of reprisal, immigration status concerns, potential loss of housing or child custody, or systemic distrust of law enforcement. The bill will take effect on the first day of January following its passage and will apply to both new crimes and those whose previous statute of limitations had not yet expired.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3909