Bill > LD1427

This bill extends the statute of limitations for prosecuting aggravated sex trafficking crimes in Maine, allowing prosecutors to bring charges within 20 years of the crime's commission for Class A and Class B aggravated sex trafficking offenses. The bill modifies existing law by adding language that specifically includes aggravated sex trafficking alongside other sexual offenses with extended prosecution timelines. Additionally, the bill requires the Criminal Law Advisory Commission to conduct a comprehensive review of statutes of limitation for sexual offenses, examining whether there is parity between different types of sexual crime prosecution timelines and whether other sexual offense crimes should have similar extended limitation periods. The commission must submit a report with recommendations to the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary by December 15, 2025, with the potential to propose related legislation. The new statute of limitations will apply to aggravated sex trafficking crimes committed on or after the bill's effective date, as well as to crimes not yet barred by the previous statute of limitations, providing more opportunities for prosecution of these serious offenses.

Justice

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1427&snum=132