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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | October 13, 2021 03:24 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Tracy Pennycuick |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Victim's Right to Testify at Bail Hearing |
In the near future, I intend to introduce legislation that amends the Crime Victims Act to add a provision which would require a victim of a crime of violence to be notified of any proceeding in which conditions for bail can be modified. Currently, victims have the right to receive information regarding the grant or denial of bail to an adult. However, there is no right to be notified prior to a proceeding where that decision would be determined. In many cases, victims of crimes of violence may have relevant and important information to present to the court to assist it in making an appropriate bail determination. Furthermore, nothing in this legislation would limit a prosecutor’s discretion in deciding whether to call the victim as a witness at any bail proceeding. Finally, the legislation addresses the procedural mechanisms for providing this notice to victims. This bill will ensure that victims of some of the most serious types of crimes have a voice before a dangerous defendant’s bail is modified or reduced. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation. |
Introduced as HB2039