Bill > S06978

This bill removes the statute of limitations for civil actions related to child sexual assault offenses, expanding legal options for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Specifically, the bill amends existing New York state law to allow survivors to file civil 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 offenses such as rape, incest, sexual performance involving a child, and sex trafficking of a child, as defined in various sections of the New York Penal Law. The legislation eliminates previous time restrictions that would have prevented survivors from bringing legal action after reaching a certain age (previously 55 years old) and revives previously time-barred claims. The bill also clarifies that a criminal conviction is not required to bring a civil action, giving survivors more flexibility in seeking justice. By removing temporal barriers, the law aims to provide survivors with expanded opportunities to seek legal recourse and potential compensation for the harm they experienced, recognizing the long-lasting psychological impact of childhood sexual abuse.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6978