Kamisha's Law
- Sponsor
- Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 31, 2025
Bottom line
This bill removes the statute of limitations for specific federal non-capital homicide offenses, allowing for indefinite prosecution of these serious crimes.
What it actually does
This bill, titled "Kamisha's Law," amends Chapter 213 of title 18, United States Code, to eliminate the period of limitations for various federal non-capital homicide offenses. This means that federal prosecutors would be able to bring an indictment or institute information for crimes such as second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, and attempted manslaughter at any time, regardless of when the alleged crime occurred.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that heinous crimes, particularly those involving the taking of a human life, should not have a time limit for justice. They contend that eliminating the statute of limitations ensures accountability for offenders, provides a greater chance for victims' families to find closure, and reflects the societal belief that such severe offenses warrant perpetual pursuit of justice, regardless of how long it takes to gather evidence or identify perpetrators.
Opponents contend
While direct opposition to eliminating statutes of limitations for homicide is rare, potential concerns could be raised regarding the practical challenges of prosecuting very old cases. Critics might argue that the passage of significant time can degrade evidence, make witness testimony unreliable, and complicate a defendant's ability to mount an effective defense, potentially impacting due process. However, the prevailing legal and public sentiment often prioritizes justice for homicide victims over these practical difficulties.
The bill is exceptionally short and clear, making it very accessible for any reader to understand its core purpose and provisions quickly.
Section 2(a) and (b)
Elimination of Statute of Limitations for Non-Capital Homicide Offenses
This provision amends federal law to remove any time limit for prosecuting certain non-capital homicide offenses. Specifically, it allows for an indictment or information to be brought at any time for second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, and attempted manslaughter under various sections of title 18 of the United States Code. This means federal authorities can pursue these cases indefinitely, regardless of how many years have passed since the crime.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this provision is crucial for ensuring that perpetrators of serious violent crimes are held accountable, regardless of the passage of time. They emphasize that the gravity of homicide demands that justice should not be constrained by arbitrary deadlines, allowing new evidence or investigative techniques to bring perpetrators to justice years or even decades later.
Critics contend
While there is generally broad support for eliminating statutes of limitations for homicide, some might raise concerns about the practical difficulties of prosecuting extremely old cases. Critics could argue that the reliability of evidence and witness testimony diminishes over time, potentially making fair trials more challenging for both the prosecution and the defense. However, these concerns are often outweighed by the societal demand for justice in homicide cases.
Tradeoffs
The provision navigates the tension between the societal demand for perpetual justice for victims of homicide and the practical and due process challenges associated with prosecuting crimes that occurred many years or decades in the past, where evidence may be lost or degraded.