Savino Successfully Pushes For The Elimination Of Statute Of Limitations For Violent Sexual Assualt

Senator Savino (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn) hailed the passage of legislation, this session, which eliminates the statute of limitations for first-degree rape and sodomy and extends the statute of limitations on civil actions brought by individuals against a criminal offender.

“We have sent a clear and powerful message to the men, women, and children of New York: that justice has no expiration date,” said Senator Savino. “Many victims of sexual assault or sexual abuse do not get their day in court, often because the statute of limitations had expired. I am proud to join my colleagues in passing this bill, which ensures that no matter when such a heinous crime occurs, justice is infinite, it is patient, and access to it will be guaranteed.”

Under the existing law, there is a 5-year limit on the criminal prosecution of felony sex crimes. With the passage of S.8441 rape survivors will have the opportunity to prosecute their offenders, regardless of when those crimes occurred.

Senator Savino applauded the three-way agreement between the Senate, the Assembly, and the Governor and congratulated legislative leaders for bringing the measure to the Senate floor.

“This is a huge step forward for the victims of sexual abuse who were courageous and eloquent in bringing their stories to the legislators and the public. I am very pleased that this measure, which has been on the negotiating table all session, will soon become law.”

Senator Savino, who co-sponsored similar legislation last year, has publicly pushed for the elimination of New York’s statute of limitation, since she was elected to office in 2004.