This bill proposes to amend existing statutes related to victims' rights in Arizona by introducing new provisions that allow courts to order parties who intentionally, knowingly, or with gross negligence violate a victim's rights to pay reasonable attorney fees and costs incurred by the victim for enforcing those rights or remedying the violation. Specifically, the bill adds language that clarifies the court's authority to impose such costs and fees, including provisions for pro bono or legal aid attorneys, and applies this authority to all cases pending or filed after the bill's effective date.

Additionally, the bill maintains the current law's provisions regarding a victim's right to recover damages from governmental entities for violations of their rights, while ensuring that the new amendments do not alter existing immunity protections under common law or statute. The amendments aim to strengthen the enforcement of victims' rights by providing a financial remedy for legal costs incurred due to violations of those rights.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 13-4437
Senate Engrossed Version: 13-4437
House Engrossed Version: 8-416, 13-4437, 13-804