SB 1426 - Victim Rights

• Creates comprehensive victim rights framework establishing that every victim is entitled to rights including due process, freedom from intimidation, protection from the accused, conferring with prosecutors, and having their safety considered at bail hearings.

• Establishes mandatory victim notification requirements including reasonable notice of court proceedings, release or escape of defendants, and requires law enforcement to provide victim rights information cards within 48 hours of initial contact.

• Grants victims the right to be present at all court proceedings, be heard at sentencing and other hearings, receive copies of police reports within 5 business days, and obtain presentence reports with confidential information redacted.

• Prohibits defense from questioning victims about prior sexual conduct without prior court order and requires state attorney to immediately terminate depositions if unauthorized questions are asked.

• Creates enforcement mechanisms allowing victims, their attorneys, and state attorneys to assert victim rights in court, requires appellate courts to file aging reports on delayed cases, and establishes restitution as part of every sentence with victim notification and enforcement rights.