Topic:
Constitutional amendment for victims' rights
(Lang, D-Skokie) amends the existing section for victims' rights in the Illinois Constitution. It expands and gives a right of notice and due process with the right to: (1) be free from harassment, intimidation, and abuse. (2) Refuse to disclose information that is privileged or confidential by law. (3) Timely notification of post-trial proceedings. (4) Be heard in person or in any other reasonable manner the victim chooses at any proceeding involving a post-arraignment release decision, or any proceeding in which a right of victim is at issue. (5) Receive a report prepared for sentencing, reduction in sentence, parole, early release, or clemency, when available to the accused. (6) Have the safety of the victim and the victim’s family considered in denying or fixing the amount of bail, determining whether to release the defendant, and setting conditions of release after arrest and conviction. (7) Full and prompt restitution. Scheduled for hearing Thursday morning in House Judiciary Committee II.