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Bill

S 7972

Relates to allowing victim impact statements to be submitted at parole revocation hearings

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Tedisco

Allows victims to submit impact statements at parole revocation hearings, ensuring harms are considered by the parole board.

REFERRED TO CRIME VICTIMS, CRIME AND CORRECTION
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Bill Summary · S 7972

Summary of Bill S 7972: Relates to Allowing Victim Impact Statements at Parole Revocation Hearings

Overview

Bill S 7972 would authorize victims to submit impact statements at parole revocation hearings. Introduced on May 15, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction. The primary sponsor is Senator James Tedisco.

Purpose and Intent

  • The core aim is to expand victims’ participation rights by allowing, or formalizing, the submission of victim impact statements during parole revocation proceedings.
  • By enabling victims to present how crimes have affected them at revocation hearings, the bill seeks to ensure victims’ voices are heard in the context of alleged violations of parole conditions and related decisions.

Key Provisions (as indicated by the bill’s title and summary)

  • Authorization for victim impact statements to be submitted at parole revocation hearings before the relevant parole authority (e.g., a parole board).
  • The bill’s text would specify the mechanism for submission (written statements, oral testimony, or both) and any procedural requirements (deadlines, format, confidentiality, etc.). Note: The available information does not provide these specifics.
  • The bill would not necessarily alter the substantive standards for revocation, but would expand the procedural opportunities for victim input.

Who Is Affected

  • Victims of crimes: Granted a formal channel to provide impact statements during parole revocation proceedings.
  • Parolees: Individuals facing parole revocation would be subject to statements submitted by victims as part of the hearing process.
  • Parole board and related agencies: Responsibilities and procedures would accommodate and consider victim impact statements in revocation decisions.
  • Prosecutors and corrections agencies: Potentially involved in facilitating the submission process and handling statements.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: May 15, 2025.
  • Status: Referred to the Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction. This indicates the bill is at an early stage and has not yet advanced to a floor vote.
  • Legislative actions recorded: Two identical referrals dated May 15, 2025 (likely a duplicate entry in the record).

Sponsor

  • Primary Sponsor: Senator James Tedisco (with him listed as the sponsor for this measure).

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Positive impact: Enhanced victim participation and transparency in the parole revocation process; more complete consideration of harms caused by crimes.
  • Practical considerations: Implementation details (submission method, timing, and hearings’ management) will influence how effectively statements are integrated into revocation proceedings. Agencies would need to establish procedures to address notices, privacy, and potential impact on fairness in hearings.
  • Policy alignment: The bill aligns with broader efforts to strengthen victims’ rights and involvement in criminal justice processes.

Next Steps

  • If the committee advances the bill, it would proceed through the standard legislative process: potential amendments, committee votes, and, if approved, consideration on the Senate floor, followed by movements through the Assembly and to the governor for signature, veto, or policy revision. No timeline is provided in the current record.

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

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