Pennsylvania Act 2019-23 — CRIME VICTIMS ACT - RIGHTS

Act text

Session of 2019

No. 2019-23

HB 502

AN ACT

Amending the act of November 24, 1998 (P.L.882, No.111), entitled "An act providing for victims' rights; imposing penalties; establishing remedies; establishing the Office of Victim Advocate, the Bureau of Victims' Services, the Victims' Services Advisory Committee, the State Offender Supervision Fund and other funds; and making repeals," in crime victims, further providing for rights.

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows:

Section 1. Section 201(12) of the act of November 24, 1998 (P.L.882, No.111), known as the Crime Victims Act, is amended and the section is amended by adding a paragraph to read:

Section 201. Rights.

Victims of crime have the following rights:

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(2.1) To not be excluded from any criminal proceeding unless the court, based on the record before it , determines that testimony by the victim would be materially altered if the victim heard other testimony at the proceeding. Before making a determination, the court shall make every effort to permit the fullest attendance possible by the victim and shall consider reasonable alternatives to the exclusion of the victim. The reason for any exclusion shall be clearly stated on the record.

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(12) To be notified of the details of the final disposition of the case of a juvenile consistent with 42 Pa.C.S. § 6336(f) [(relating to conduct of hearings)].

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Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.

APPROVED--The 28th day of June, A.D. 2019.

TOM WOLF