Bill > SB17

This bill comprehensively updates Delaware's Crime Victims and Witnesses Bill of Rights, significantly expanding and clarifying protections for victims and witnesses across multiple areas of state law. The bill establishes extensive new rights for crime victims, including the right to confidentiality of personal information, expedited legal proceedings, safety protections, notification of case developments, participation in sentencing and parole processes, access to victim services, and the ability to have a victim advocate present during various proceedings. Key changes include broadening the definition of "victim" and "crime," creating more robust notification requirements for law enforcement and prosecutors, establishing new protections for victims with cognitive disabilities, and adding provisions to prevent victims from being detained exclusively for immigration violations. The bill also makes technical updates to various sections of Delaware code related to victim compensation, parole hearings, expungement processes, and employment protections for crime victims. Additionally, it requires the creation of a comprehensive website with victim rights information and mandates annual reporting on victims' rights compliance by law enforcement agencies. The legislation aims to provide more comprehensive support and procedural rights for crime victims throughout the criminal justice process.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=141767