The bill amends Section 2 of P.L.2019, c.103 (C.52:4B-60.2) to enhance the rights of victims of sexual violence within the New Jersey criminal justice system. It recognizes the challenges faced by these victims, including being blamed for the crime or not being taken seriously, and establishes a public policy that ensures they are treated with dignity and compassion. The bill outlines specific rights for victims, such as the right to have allegations taken seriously, access to medical and counseling services, confidentiality in testing for communicable diseases, and the right to be informed about the status of forensic evidence.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions that require law enforcement agencies to keep victims informed about the processing of evidence in their cases, including DNA profiling and comparisons with data banks. Victims can designate someone to receive this information on their behalf, and law enforcement must provide updates in a timely manner. The bill emphasizes that the failure to inform victims does not affect the validity of a conviction or sentence, thereby reinforcing the importance of victim rights while maintaining the integrity of the judicial process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:4B-60.2
Advance Law: 52:4B-60.2
Pamphlet Law: 52:4B-60.2