Bill Extends Statute of Limitations on Human Trafficking
Sacramento – Assembly Majority Leader Holden’s bill to ensure justice for victims of human rights abuses moved a step closer to reality today. The Senate voted unanimously in support of Holden’s AB 15 to extend the statute of limitations for human trafficking and other abuse cases to ten years. Currently, California has a two-year statute of limitations, which is often too short to gather evidence to ensure victims get a fair trial.
“I think it’s important to understand that victims of human trafficking and other abuses often suffer mental and physical problems that prevent them from filing these cases quickly,” said Assemblymember Holden. ”Because of that, many of these crimes are never prosecuted and the horrific abuses continue. Survivors of these abuses face unique obstacles to bringing their suit and it often takes many years for them to find their way out of perilous circumstances.”
Human trafficking – including child sex trafficking – remains a fast-growing criminal industry. California has the questionable distinction of being a top destination for human traffickers with most cases simply flying under the radar. This bill will help the victims and their families find some measure of justice. Today’s action would bring California law into line with federal law.
AB 15 has received bipartisan, unanimous support in both Houses. The bill now goes back to the Assembly for approval of amendments before going on to Governor Brown for signature.