"creates a civil cause of action for crimes of violence motivated by gender that occurred prior to January 9, 2022" and clarifies that entities can be named as defendants, not just individual perpetrators. New York City Council officials also noted that the bill was part of a broader package of veto overrides passed on January 29, 2026."
"The official bill text states that the law "takes effect immediately" and that any claim under the new section must be filed within 18 months of that effective date. Since the override vote and enactment occurred on January 29, 2026, that puts the deadline at July 29, 2027."
"For survivors like Carmine Megaro, the change is more than a technical fix, it could mean a second shot at justice. Megaro told News 12 | Brooklyn that he was assaulted at 19. News 12 | Brooklyn reported that the Diocese of Brooklyn found his allegations against Father Philip Pizzo credible, yet prosecutors informed him that the civil statute of limitations had already run when he tried to sue."
On January 29, 2026, New York City Council overrode Mayor Eric Adams's veto to enact Intro. 1297‑A, sponsored by Council Member Selvena N. Brooks‑Powers. This legislation creates a civil cause of action for crimes of violence motivated by gender that occurred prior to January 9, 2022, and clarifies that both individual perpetrators and enabling institutions can be named as defendants. The law takes effect immediately with an 18-month filing deadline of July 29, 2027. Plaintiffs who filed cases between March 1, 2023, and March 1, 2025, may amend or refile to add claims under the new section. For survivors previously told their cases were time-barred, this law provides a new opportunity to pursue justice against alleged abusers and complicit organizations.
#gender-motivated-violence #civil-lawsuits #statute-of-limitations #survivor-justice #new-york-city-legislation
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