Enacts the Victim's Information and Security Act

BILL NUMBER:S2085

Title of bill

An act to amend the correction law, in relation to enacting the victim's information and security act

Purpose of the bill

The bill would establish an office of victim/witness services within the Department of corrections.

Summary of specific provisions

Amends the correction law by adding a new article 6-D. This article establishes the office of victim/witness services within the Department of correctional Services.

Justification

This bill would improve the notification process by creating a clearinghouse where victims, their families, witnesses, and others designated by law would have the ability to access information which is relevant to the whereabouts and behavior of the assailant. This in turn, is beneficial to the victim's emotional, physical and psychological well-being. The current process that a victim must endure in order to ascertain information concerning their perpetrator is very cumbersome. In some instances, the victim is not aware that they have the right to certain information pertaining to their assailant such as release, escape and death. This legislation elevates the victim's needs to a higher priority and creates a mechanism that allows direct victim access to this information. The creation of this office can be modeled after offices in other states including Washington and California.

Fiscal implications for state & local governments

Minimal cost for the toll-free telephone number, but it is believed accommodated by existing staff and moneys.

Effective date

This act shall effect on the first day of April next succeeding the date on which it shall have become law.