(Santa Fe, NM) — Today the New Mexico Senate passed Senate Bill 41, which eliminates the statute of limitations for criminal sexual contact of a minor. Senate Bill 41 is sponsored by Senators Angel Charley, Jeff Steinborn, George K. Muñoz, and Cindy Nava.
Under the current statute of limitations, victims lose the ability to seek justice after six years, in some cases before the victim turns 24. Following suit with a growing number of states in the nation, this bill allows child victims of sexual assault to pursue criminal charges at any time after their assault.
Sexual assault is a life-altering event, and victims are often too traumatized to pursue legal action for quite some time. Senate Bill 41 removes the ticking clock for child victims, allowing them time to mature and heal before pursuing justice.
In the wake of the ongoing discovery of Jeffrey Epstein’ heinous sexual crimes, there is no better time to protect New Mexico children’s right to justice. Senate Bill 41 not only protects victims’ rights but will make the state safer for all as more offenders are made known.
Because of the lasting damage done by perpetrators of child sexual assault, it’s time to acknowledge its parity with other crimes that lack a statute of limitations. “Justice doesn’t expire. A victim’s pain and anguish have no statute of limitations, so neither should a victim’s right to closure,” said Sen. Charley.
The NM Senate passed Senate Bill 41 by a vote of 40-1. It will now proceed to the New Mexico House of Representatives for consideration.
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