SJR 10 Summary

• Proposes a constitutional amendment adding a "Victim's Bill of Rights" to the Arkansas Constitution, requiring voter approval at the next general election.

• Defines "victim" to include persons against whom violent or sexual criminal offenses are committed, their representatives, or family members of killed or incapacitated individuals, excluding the accused.

• Grants victims 13 enumerated rights including: fair treatment free from intimidation, notification of accused's release, presence at proceedings, right to be heard at post-arrest, plea, and sentencing decisions, refusal of interviews or document release, protection of home address, conferral with prosecution, access to pre-sentence reports, priority restitution payment, and notice of constitutional rights.

• Protects victims' exercise of rights from being grounds to dismiss charges or overturn convictions, and prevents the amendment from creating civil liability against the State of Arkansas, political subdivisions, or government officers and employees.

• Becomes effective January 1, 2025.