Provides that the statute of limitations for second-degree sexual assault shall be 10 years from the date of the offense, or, in the case of a victim who is under the age of 18, ten years from the victim’s eighteenth birthday, whichever is later.

Rhode Island Bill Summary: Statute of Limitations for Second-Degree Sexual Assault

This bill extends the window of time that prosecutors have to bring criminal charges in cases involving second-degree sexual assault in Rhode Island. Specifically, it sets a 10-year deadline to file charges, starting from the date the offense occurred. Under this change, if someone is assaulted today, prosecutors would have 10 years to bring a case before the legal deadline expires.

The bill includes a special rule for victims who were children at the time of the assault. For victims under 18, the 10-year clock would not start until their 18th birthday, giving them additional time after reaching adulthood to come forward. Whichever deadline is later — 10 years from the offense or 10 years from the victim's 18th birthday — would apply.

This legislation primarily affects sexual assault survivors, prosecutors, and individuals accused of second-degree sexual assault. For survivors, particularly those who experienced abuse as children, it means more time to decide whether to pursue legal action. For prosecutors, it defines a clear timeframe to investigate and file charges. For the accused, it establishes how long they could potentially face criminal prosecution for an alleged offense.

The bill has been introduced in the Rhode Island Senate and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where it will be reviewed before any further action is taken.