LA HB479

Establishes a comprehensive victims' services system administered by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, required to be operational by July 1, 2026, in coordination with the Integrated Criminal Justice Information System Policy Board

Creates a consolidated "Crime Victims' Bill of Rights" enumerating 24 specific rights for crime victims and designated family members, including notification of defendant's arrest/release/escape, presence at judicial proceedings, victim impact statements, restitution, and confidentiality protections

Requires sheriffs to immediately notify all law enforcement agencies and local media outlets when an inmate escapes from a parish prison or jail, and to notify victims and witnesses of the crime for which the escapee was imprisoned

Grants witnesses and designated family members 5 specific rights including emergency services, notification of offender release/escape, employer notification assistance, scheduling change updates, and secure waiting areas during court proceedings

Defendants have no standing to challenge their conviction or sentence based on any violation of the Crime Victims' Bill of Rights