Statement from Senator Anna M. Kaplan on the Adult Survivors Act Being Signed Into Law

CARLE PLACE, NY (MAY 24, 2022) - Today, the Adult Survivors Act, S.66A, was signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul. The new law creates a one-year window for the revival of time-barred civil lawsuits based on sex crimes committed against individuals who were 18 years of age or older. The new law is similar to the successful "Child Victims Act" which helped thousands of victims of childhood sexual abuse to seek justice against their abusers.

Following enactment of the new law, Senator Anna M. Kaplan said "for too long, New York's outdated laws made it difficult for survivors of abuse to seek justice, causing too many to suffer in silence to avoid being re-victimized by an unforgiving legal process. The Adult Survivors Act recognizes that we have failed too many survivors, and finally gives them an opportunity to speak out, have their day in court, and hopefully find an opportunity for healing. I'm extremely proud to be a co-sponsor of this important legislation, I applaud Senator Hoylman and Assemblymember Rosenthal for introducing it, and I thank the Governor for signing it into law today."