S.B. No. 1704 aims to enhance the rights of crime victims, witnesses, and their close relatives within the Texas criminal justice system. The bill amends Article 56A.051 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to include new rights for victims, such as the right to be informed of modifications to a defendant's sentence within three days and the right to receive information about parole proceedings unless waived. Additionally, it introduces a new provision allowing individuals to waive their right to receive certain notifications regarding parole and release information, as outlined in Article 56A.1511. The bill also emphasizes the importance of victim impact statements, ensuring they are considered during sentencing and parole decisions.

Further amendments include clarifications on the victim impact statement's content, which must now inform victims of their rights and the information they can expect to receive unless waived. The bill mandates the development of recommendations to increase the completion and submission of victim impact statements and requires notification to the court regarding the release of defendants with access to child victims. Overall, S.B. No. 1704 seeks to strengthen the protections and involvement of victims in the criminal justice process, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are upheld.