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 legislation 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 various rights for victims throughout the criminal justice process, including the right to be informed about court proceedings, to confer with the prosecution, and to receive restitution. The bill also establishes the "victims of crime assistance fund," administered by the state department of justice, to provide financial assistance for crime scene cleanup and biological hazard services. It allocates specific amounts from the general fund to support the electronic notification systems and repeals a previous section of the law to streamline victim notifications and assistance.

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