TRENTON – The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee advanced legislation sponsored by Senators Linda Greenstein, Renee Burgess, and Vin Gopal, which would eliminate the statute of limitations for criminal prosecutions of human trafficking and criminal sexual conduct, as well as eliminate the statute of limitations for civil cases that arise from human trafficking.

“Human trafficking is no less than modern-day slavery, and it is on the rise,” said Senator Greenstein (D-Middlesex/Mercer). “Increasing the statute of limitations for these offenses will help bring justice to more victims and give perpetrators of these horrific crimes the consequences they deserve.”

Under current law, both criminal and civil cases relating to human trafficking must be filed within 5 years of the offense. The bill, S-1270, would remove all limitations regarding the period in which a criminal prosecution or civil suit may be conducted.

“New Jersey’s proximity to major cities like New York and Philadelphia makes it susceptible to human trafficking, and it is our responsibility to do our part in mitigating the problem,” said Senator Burgess (D-Essex/Union). “This legislation is just one part of a bigger plan for the ways in which we plan to help protect victims and prevent further harm.”

“Survivors of human trafficking often face immense trauma and fear that can prevent them from coming forward for years,” said Senator Gopal (D-Monmouth). “Justice for victims should not be denied simply because they did not report the crime within five years of it happening—this bill makes traffickers more likely to face accountability for their heinous crimes.”

The United States Department of Justice reports that there was a 26% increase in human trafficking offenses in 2022 compared to 2021, with the number of persons convicted of the crime doubling in this time. This legislation would bring New Jersey’s statutes regarding human trafficking into accordance with similar federal provisions.