Senator Fuschillo And Local Assemblymen Vote To Eliminate Statute Of Limitations For Rape Victims
Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (8th Senate District), Assemblyman David G. McDonough (19th Assembly District), Assemblyman Thomas McKevitt (17th Assembly District) and Assemblyman Joseph Saladino (12th Assembly District) all voted in favor of legislation that would eliminate the statute of limitations for rape victims. Both the Senate and Assembly passed these new protections.
"It is absurd that even with DNA evidence, suspected rapists could escape prosecution simply because they weren’t caught fast enough. These criminals inflict a lifetime of pain on their victims, so it is only appropriate that we now have a lifetime to catch them," said Senator Fuschillo, who joined Senator Dean Skelos (9th Senate District) in sponsoring the measure in the Senate. "I am happy that the Assembly joined with us to strengthen the laws and get these dangerous predators off of our streets."
"For over two years now, I have been pushing for my colleagues in the Assembly to join with the Senate in passing this bill. Finally, we have enacted legislation that will go a long way in protecting victims’ rights and preventing rapists from escaping justice," said Assemblyman McDonough, who proposed the measure in the Assembly. "These new protections are long overdue."
"I am pleased that both houses have come to an agreement to pass this legislation that will expand our ability to pursue sexual predators, as well as give relief and peace of mind to the victims that these predators will be brought to justice," said Assemblyman McKevitt.
"I am very happy to have enacted this legislation to better protect the women and children of our state. Working with Senator Fuschillo has made the difference to ensure the passage of this and every measure to keep our families safe. Senator Fuschillo and I will continue to keep you and your children our number one priority," stated Assemblyman Saladino.
The bill eliminates the statute of limitations for the criminal prosecution of Class B felony sexual assault crimes including: first degree rape, first degree criminal sexual act (formerly called sodomy), first degree aggravated sexual abuse and first degree course of sexual conduct against a child.
In addition, the legislation extends the civil statute of limitation from one year to five years, giving rape victims a longer period of time to pursue legal recourse from their attackers.
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