Bill
Bill > A225
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
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 being limited to a five-year window. Currently, New Jersey law (N.J.S.2C:1-6) sets time limits for prosecuting 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 offenses, specifically those defined in section 1 of P.L.2005, c.77 (C.2C:13-8) and sections 1 through 5 of 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, thereby providing victims and law enforcement with more time to pursue justice for these severe offenses.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (7)
John Azzariti (R)*,
Aura Dunn (R),
Dawn Fantasia (R),
Vicky Flynn (R),
Michael Inganamort (R),
Alex Sauickie (R),
Gerry Scharfenberger (R),
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A225 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A0500/225_I1.HTM |
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