Bill > HB3710

This bill amends the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act to clarify and expand protections for crime victims during criminal investigations. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision that explicitly states when a person reports being a crime victim, they have the right to be treated with fairness and respect during the investigatory process. The bill defines "deception" as the knowing communication of false facts about evidence, which victims have the right to be free from. This means law enforcement cannot intentionally mislead or provide false information to a crime victim during interviews or conversations. The bill reinforces existing rights for crime victims, such as being treated with dignity, receiving timely notifications about court proceedings, being protected from the accused, and having the option to have an advocate present during legal processes. Additionally, the bill requires law enforcement to provide victims with a written statement of their rights within 48 hours of initial contact, including information about victim compensation and support services, and mandates that victims must sign an acknowledgement of receiving this information. The goal of the bill is to ensure crime victims are informed, respected, and supported throughout the criminal justice process.

Justice

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=3710&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104