Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) today announced the New York State Senate has passed legislation (S.8441) to eliminate the statute of limitations for rape victims and extend the civil statute of limitations, from one year to five years. The bill reflects an agreement with the Assembly.

"There should never have been a statute of limitations on these horrible crimes," said Senator Larkin. "The anguish that the victims live with afterwards certainly doesn’t end after five years. The time we have to catch and prosecute these violent criminals should have no limit."

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 agreement will extend from one year to five years, the civil statute of limitations, giving rape victims a longer period of time to pursue legal recourse from their attackers.

The bill was sent to the Assembly.