The bill amends the Victims of Crime Act to expand the definition of "victim" to include individuals directly and proximately harmed by any crime resulting in bodily harm or property damage, while eliminating the previous definition and references to "criminal offense." It introduces a new definition for "offender" and redefines "formally charged" to include the filing of a criminal complaint. The bill enhances victims' rights by ensuring they receive timely notifications regarding an offender's release both before and after conviction, and mandates that law enforcement agencies treat victims with fairness and respect while taking reasonable steps to protect them.

Additionally, the bill requires the establishment of electronic notification systems by the Administrative Office of the Courts, the Corrections Department, and county commissioners to keep victims informed about their cases. It outlines the responsibilities of law enforcement in providing victims with information about investigations and available services, and mandates that district attorneys inform victims about their rights and the prosecution process. The bill also creates a "victims of crime assistance fund" to support services for victims, such as crime scene cleanup, and includes appropriations of $2 million for fiscal year 2026 to establish and maintain the electronic notification systems and support the fund. Furthermore, it repeals a previous section of the law that is deemed unnecessary.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 31-26-2, 31-26-3, 31-26-4, 31-26-5, 31-26-6, 31-26-7, 31-26-8, 31-26-9, 31-26-10, 31-26-11, 31-26-12, 31-26-14, 31-26-15, 31-26-10.1