The Senate approved legislation today to improve communications with crime victims and ensure they receive any compensation they are owed, according to Senator Dan Laughlin.
Senate Bill 708 broadens the timeframes victims’ compensation may be sought and expands critical access to compensation. It requires the law enforcement officer responding to or investigating an incident to provide basic information about the rights and services available to crime victims.
Among other changes, the bill would ensure victims know their right to be enrolled into the Address Confidentiality Program, which exempts those who enter the program from providing a public address and telephone number when their life may be in danger.
The effort uses savings generated by the Justice Reinvestment Initiative, launched in 2012 to strengthen public safety and reduce prison and probation costs.
Senate Bill 708 was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Contact: Matt Azeles mazeles@pasen.gov