SB22-049: Victim Rights Act Summary

• Expands the definition of "crime" under victim rights law to include first degree arson (Section 18-4-102) and criminal invasion of privacy (Section 18-7-801)

• Allows crime victims to participate in critical court proceedings remotely by phone, video, or audio technology in addition to in-person attendance, including bond hearings, parole hearings, and community corrections board proceedings

• Requires law enforcement to provide victims with a detailed initial incident report containing victim and offender names, crime date, charges, and incident summary; allows redaction of other victims' names and personal identifying information

• Mandates district attorneys consult with victims before filing diversion offers and explain to victims that defendants may receive good time credits or earned time while incarcerated, potentially reducing their actual sentence length

• Establishes procedures for subpoenas requesting victim medical, mental health, education, or compensation records, requiring courts to protect privileged records unless victims expressly or impliedly waive privilege, with victim input required at hearings