Bill > HJR49

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to expand crime victims' rights in Missouri by submitting the proposed changes to voters in the 2026 general election. The amendment would provide crime victims with several key rights, including the right to be present at criminal justice proceedings, to be informed of and heard at various hearings, to receive restitution, to have a speedy case disposition, and to receive protection from the defendant. Most significantly, the amendment adds a new right for victims to bring a civil cause of action against the defendant or other parties who caused their injury, with a time frame for filing that is at least as long as the criminal case's statute of limitations. The proposed amendment also allows courts to deny bail or impose special conditions if the defendant poses a danger, while explicitly stating that it does not create a cause of action for money damages against government entities. The General Assembly would retain the power to implement and potentially modify these rights through legislation, ensuring flexibility in how victims' rights are interpreted and applied.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR49&year=2025&code=R