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Bill > S2566


NJ S2566

NJ S2566
Eliminates statute of limitations for prosecution of human trafficking crimes.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill would eliminate the statute of limitations for prosecution for the crime of human trafficking. Currently, under the provisions of N.J.S.2C:1-6 there is no statute of limitations for prosecutions for the following crimes: murder; manslaughter; sexual assault; and criminal offenses arising from violations of certain environmental statutes concerning widespread injury or damage. Prosecution for other crimes, such as human trafficking, must be commenced within five years, except for certain crimes enumerated in the statute such as: (1) bribery and official misconduct offenses which must be commenced within seven years; (2) criminal sexual contact or endangering the welfare of a minor which must be commenced within five years after the victim attains the age of 18 or two years after discovery, whichever is later. Prosecutions for disorderly persons offenses must be commenced within one year after they are committed. By eliminating the statute of limitations for human trafficking crimes, the prosecution for these crimes may be commenced at any time rather than within five years after it is committed.

AI Summary

This bill amends New Jersey law to eliminate the statute of limitations for prosecuting human trafficking crimes, meaning prosecutors can bring charges at any time after the crime is committed, rather than within a five-year window. Currently, New Jersey law (N.J.S.2C:1-6) sets time limits for when prosecutions must begin for most crimes, with exceptions for serious offenses like murder, manslaughter, and sexual assault, for which there is no time limit. This bill adds human trafficking, which is defined as offenses related to P.L.2005, c.77 (C.2C:13-8) and P.L.2002, c.26 (C.2C:38-1 through C.2C:38-5), to the list of crimes that can be prosecuted at any time, ensuring that victims have the opportunity for justice regardless of when the crime occurred.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (4)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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