Earlier this year, Governor Cuomo advocated for the repeal of the statute of limitations in all rape cases as part of his 2020 Executive Budget. The legislation that would remove the five-year limit on the prosecution of Rape in the Second and Third Degree was not adopted by the New York State Legislature when the budget passed in April.

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn applauds Governor Cuomo for his actions yesterday in again calling for the passage of this important legislation before the end of session.

“While the statute of limitations for prosecuting Rape in the First Degree cases was eliminated more than a decade ago, I am limited in my ability to prosecute all rape cases until this legislation is enacted,” said Erie County District Attorney Flynn. “This is an important issue for the Special Victims Bureau in my office, but more importantly a law that will ensure justice for those who have been the victims of this reprehensible crime. I will be calling on my partners in government in the New York State Legislature to actively encourage them to pass this bill before the end of session.”