HB217 Summary

• Defense attorneys in criminal proceedings must provide notice to the prosecutor before contacting crime victims or their immediate family members for purposes of investigating or developing case issues.

• Prosecutors may consent to attorney contact with victims or request the court to prohibit such contact; if prosecutor does not respond within 48 hours, the attorney may proceed with contact unless the court prohibits it.

• Violations of the contact restrictions constitute criminal harassment or harassing communication under Section 13A-11-8.

• State Treasury funds, including Fair Trial Tax Fund monies, are prohibited from being used for Defense Initiated Victims Outreach initiatives or to pay professional service providers offering services to crime victims through such initiatives.

• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.