This bill proposes to amend Section 13-4437 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, which currently allows victims to recover damages from governmental entities for violations of their rights. The bill introduces new provisions that would enable a court to order any party who violates or exacerbates a violation of a victim's rights to pay the victim's attorney fees and costs incurred in enforcing those rights or remedying the violation. This insertion expands the current statute by explicitly allowing for the recovery of attorney fees and costs, which was not previously specified.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the authority to order payment of attorney fees and costs applies to all cases pending or filed after the effective date of the amendment. It also makes technical changes to the existing language, ensuring that the provisions for immunity under common law or statute remain intact. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the enforcement of victims' rights by providing a mechanism for victims to recover legal costs associated with violations of their rights.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 13-4437