H.B. No. 1953 seeks to strengthen the rights of crime victims, with a particular emphasis on those affected by sexual assault. The bill amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to ensure that victims, their guardians, or close relatives of deceased victims are properly informed and engaged in the legal process. Key provisions include a requirement for courts to inquire about victim impact statements prior to accepting plea agreements, timely notifications for victims regarding court proceedings and plea bargains, and the right for victims to have an advocate present during investigative interviews.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a civil penalty of $1,000 for individuals or entities that do not allow victims the opportunity to have an advocate present during forensic medical examinations or investigative interviews, unless the advocate is unavailable. It clarifies that victims can assert their rights individually or through an attorney and specifies that the new legal provisions will only apply to incidents of criminally injurious conduct occurring on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. This ensures that previous cases will continue to be governed by the laws in effect at the time of the offense, providing clarity and consistency in the application of the law.