BILL NUMBER: S1976
SPONSOR: MURRAY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the criminal procedure law, in relation to the period of
limitation for the prosecution of sex offenses committed against chil-
dren; and to repeal paragraphs (e) and (f) of subdivision 3 of section
30.10 of such law relating to timeliness of the prosecution of course of
sexual conduct offenses
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this bill is to extend the statute of limitations to
fifteen years after a child has reached the age of eighteen for cases
involving certain violent sex offenses committed against a child.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 of this bill repeals paragraphs (e) and (f) of subdivision 3
of section 30.10 of the criminal procedure law, paragraph (g) is relet-
tered paragraph (f), and adds a new paragraph Ç that would extend the
statute of limitations to fifteen years for crimes committed against a
child less than eighteen years of age, incest in the first, second or
third degree as defined in sections 255.27, 255.26 and 255.25 of the
penal law committed against a child less than eighteen years of age, or
use of a child in a sexual performance as defined in section 263.05.
Section two is the effective date, and shall apply to offenses committed
on and after such date as well as to offenses committed prior thereto,
provided that this act shall not apply to offenses committed prior to
such date on which the prosecution thereof was barred under the
provisions of section 30.10 of the criminal procedure law in effect
immediately prior to such date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Because the statute of limitations is currently only five years once a
child turns eighteen, child predators are not being held responsible for
their crimes. The statute-of limitations already has been removed for
crimes such as rape in the first degree, criminal sex act in the first
degree, and course of sexual conduct against a child in the first
degree. These offenses have long lasting effects into adulthood and five
years after the child reaches eighteen years old is not enough time for
justice to be served.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024: Referred to Codes
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.