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 unless it disrupts courtroom decorum. The bill also maintains the court's authority to limit the number of statements from family members if they exceed three, and it allows for reasonable restrictions to uphold courtroom decorum.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that while the court can restrict the content of the statements to maintain order, it cannot prohibit a victim impact statement from being directed at the defendant unless it disturbs the courtroom's decorum. 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)