SB428

Senate Bill 428 modifies the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits filed by victims of human trafficking in Arkansas. The legislation amends Arkansas Code § 16-118-109(f)(1) to establish that such civil actions must be commenced within ten years from the date the plaintiff discovers the incident occurred and that the defendant was responsible for or benefited from the trafficking. This bill aims to provide survivors with a longer legal window to pursue civil damages against those involved in or profiting from their trafficking. By basing the timeline on the date of discovery rather than the date of the incident, the bill addresses the practical difficulty victims may have in seeking legal recourse shortly after trauma. The act serves as a legislative effort to strengthen the legal rights of trafficking survivors within the state civil court system.