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In an effort to provide greater access to justice for victims of civil wrongdoing, the New Hampshire State Legislature has passed a bill extending the statute of limitations for civil suits. The bill, which was signed into law by Governor John Smith earlier this week, extends the statute of limitations for filing civil suits from 3 years to 5 years.This change comes after years of advocacy by victim advocacy groups, who argued that the previous 3-year statute of limitations was inadequate in many cases, particularly those involving complex civil matters such as medical malpractice or sexual assault. The extended statute of limitations will now allow victims more time to gather evidence, consult with legal counsel, and file suit against the responsible parties.In addition to extending the statute of limitations, the new law also includes provisions to expedite the civil litigation process. These provisions include mandatory alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation and arbitration, designed to help parties reach a resolution without the need for a lengthy and costly trial.Supporters of the bill have hailed it as a victory for victims' rights and access to justice in New Hampshire. State Senator Sarah Johnson, who co-sponsored the bill, stated, "By extending the statute of limitations and promoting alternative dispute resolution, we are ensuring that victims have the time and resources they need to seek justice and hold wrongdoers accountable."However, opponents of the bill have raised concerns about the potential for an increase in frivolous lawsuits and the burden on the state's court system. They argue that extending the statute of limitations could lead to a flood of lawsuits, tying up court resources and delaying justice for all parties involved.Despite these concerns, the bill passed both houses of the State Legislature by a comfortable margin, reflecting the widespread support for expanding access to justice in civil matters. The new law is set to go into effect on January 1, 2026, and will apply to all civil suits filed on or after that date.