This bill establishes a civil cause of action for victims of human trafficking in Arkansas and introduces a statute of limitations of ten years for filing such actions. Specifically, it amends Arkansas Code 16-118-109(f)(1) to clarify that a civil action must be initiated within ten years from the date the victim discovers the occurrence of the human trafficking incident and the involvement of the defendant, whether through causing, being responsible for, or benefiting from the incident.

The bill removes the previous language that stated the statute of limitations would not begin until a civil action was filed, thereby providing a clearer timeline for victims seeking justice. This change aims to empower victims by allowing them a substantial period to come forward and seek legal recourse for the harms they have suffered due to human trafficking.

Statutes affected:
SB 428: 16-118-109(f)
Act 664: 16-118-109(f)