NYC Council to override Adams on sex abuse lawsuits

"The legislation, approved by the Council in November, carved out an 18-month "lookback" window for victims to file claims against abusers as well as institutions that may have shielded perpetrators from prosecution, even if the statute of limitations has lapsed. It would also allow plaintiffs to revive hundreds of cases that had been previously dismissed, including claims against the estate of now-deceased sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein."

"But Adams vetoed the measure on Christmas Eve, saying the proposed changes would have exposed the city to costly litigation estimated at more than $1 billion, which would force the next mayor to cut services and programs. "My administration attempted to work with the City Council to secure compensation for survivors in a fiscally responsible manner, but the City Council did not engage on any alternative proposals," Adams, a Democrat who leaves office on Jan. 1, wrote in his veto message."

"But incoming Council President Julie Menin pushed back on Adam's claims in a statement that said his administration didn't previously raise concerns about the cost of the legislation and accused the mayor of using his final days in office "to deny survivors of sexual and gender-motivated violence the opportunity to hold their abusers accountable." Menin said the council will override the outgoing mayor's veto once it convenes for a new session in January."

The New York City Council approved an 18-month 'lookback' window allowing sexual abuse victims to file claims even after the statute of limitations had expired. The measure would permit plaintiffs to revive hundreds of previously dismissed cases, including claims against the estate of Jeffrey Epstein. Mayor Eric Adams vetoed the bill on Christmas Eve, citing an estimated city liability exceeding $1 billion that would compel service and program cuts for the next administration. Adams said his administration tried to negotiate fiscally responsible alternatives but received no engagement. Incoming Council President Julie Menin said cost concerns were not previously raised, accused the mayor of denying survivors accountability, and pledged a veto override in January.

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