New Jersey Senate Passes Bill – Statute of Limitations for Child Sex Abuse

The New Jersey Senate – by a 32 to 1 vote – passed NJ S-477, a bill that would increase the period of time within which civil claims for damages can be brought for childhood sexual abuse. The bill would allow a survivor up until age 55 to file a lawsuit against the perpetrator and any responsible institution(s).

Equally important, for abuse survivors whose claims are currently time-barred by New Jersey’s existing statute of limitations, NJ S-477 provides for a two-year “window” of time within which such abuse survivors can file suit against their abusers and any responsible institution(s).

Next in the legislative process is consideration of the NJ S-477 by the New Jersey General Assembly. On March 25th, the Assembly is scheduled to vote on the bill. If approved by the Assembly, NJ S-477 goes to Governor Murphy for signature. Once signed, the law will take effect December 1, 2019.