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SD 417

An Act to enhance the rights of crime victims in the Commonwealth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Julian Cyr

Summary of SD 417: An Act to enhance the rights of crime victims in the Commonwealth Bill OverviewSD 417, titled "An Act to enhance the rights of crime victims in the Commonwealth"

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Bill Summary · SD 417

Summary of SD 417: An Act to enhance the rights of crime victims in the Commonwealth

Bill Overview

SD 417, titled "An Act to enhance the rights of crime victims in the Commonwealth", is a proposed bill that aims to strengthen the legal rights and protections afforded to victims of crime in the state. The bill was introduced on November 29, 2025 and is currently in the legislative process.

Key Provisions

The main components of SD 417 include:

Victim's Bill of Rights

  • Establishes a comprehensive "Victim's Bill of Rights" that enshrines specific legal entitlements for crime victims, including:
    • The right to be treated with dignity, respect, and sensitivity
    • The right to receive timely notification of court proceedings and the offender's status
    • The right to be present and heard at court hearings
    • The right to receive restitution and financial assistance

Expanded Victim Notification

  • Requires law enforcement and the criminal justice system to provide more robust and timely notifications to victims regarding the status of their case and the offender, such as:
    • Notification of the offender's arrest, release, transfer, or escape
    • Notification of upcoming court hearings and the final disposition of the case

Victim Support Services

  • Mandates the expansion and funding of statewide victim support services, including:
    • 24/7 victim helplines and crisis counseling
    • Assistance navigating the criminal justice process
    • Referrals to medical, social, and legal services

Enforcement Mechanisms

  • Establishes enforcement mechanisms to ensure victims' rights are upheld, such as:
    • Allowing victims to file motions with the court to assert their rights
    • Enabling victims to seek legal remedies or compensation for violations of their rights

Impact and Affected Parties

If enacted, SD 417 would significantly strengthen the legal standing and support available to victims of crime across the Commonwealth. Key stakeholders that would be affected include:

  • Victims of all types of crimes, including violent, property, and financial crimes
  • Family members of deceased or incapacitated crime victims
  • Law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system, who would be required to provide more comprehensive victim services and notifications
  • Victim support organizations and service providers, who would see an increase in funding and demand for their programs

Timeline and Next Steps

SD 417 was introduced in late November 2025 and is currently working its way through the legislative process. It must pass both the state Senate and House of Representatives before being sent to the Governor for signature into law. If passed, many of the bill's provisions would take effect 6 months after enactment to allow time for implementation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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