Bill > HR5506

This bill strengthens crime victims' rights by expanding and clarifying their legal protections during federal criminal proceedings. The bill amends existing law to ensure victims have the right to be informed about plea bargains, agreements, and investigations in a timely manner, and provides them with a crime victims' rights card detailing their specific rights. It establishes a more robust mechanism for victims to assert these rights, allowing them to seek legal representation and file motions if their rights are violated. The legislation creates a new administrative process within the Department of Justice for investigating complaints about victims' rights violations, including the ability to impose fines or reimburse victims for costs. The bill also requires the Attorney General to submit regular reports to Congress about the implementation of these rights, including details about complaints filed, their outcomes, and instances of potential misconduct. Importantly, the bill defines a crime victim as a person directly harmed by a suspected or alleged federal offense and provides mechanisms for victims or their legal representatives to challenge procedural decisions, while ensuring that these provisions do not compromise defendants' constitutional rights or prosecutorial discretion.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5506/all-info