The bill amends R.S. 46:1844(K)(1)(b)(ii) to enhance the rights of crime victims regarding victim impact statements. It mandates that courts allow these statements to be directed toward the defendant, ensuring that the defendant is present during the statement. The court retains the authority to limit the number of statements from family members if they exceed three and can impose reasonable restrictions to maintain courtroom decorum.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the court cannot prohibit a victim impact statement from being directed at the defendant unless it disrupts the order and decorum of the courtroom. This change aims to strengthen the voice of victims and their families in the judicial process while balancing the need for courtroom order.

Statutes affected:
SB402 Original: 46:1844(K)(1)
SB402 Engrossed: 46:1844(K)(1)
SB402 Enrolled: 46:1844(K)(1)
SB402 Act 344: 46:1844(K)(1)