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Bill

Bill

A 6338

Relates to defining a victim of a sexual offense

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Latrice Walker

Defines who qualifies as a victim in sexual offense laws to ensure consistent rights, protections, and access to services for those affected.

REFERRED TO CODES
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Bill Summary · A 6338

Summary of Assembly Bill A 6338 (Relates to defining a victim of a sexual offense)

At a glance

  • Bill number: A 6338
  • Title: Relates to defining a victim of a sexual offense
  • Status: REFERRED TO CODES (New York Assembly)
  • Introduced: March 4, 2025
  • Related companion bill: S 5041 (listed as companion; appears in the Senate)
  • Related prior-session bills: A 10969, A 7845, A 1068

Purpose and intent

A 6338 seeks to establish or clarify the definition of “victim” within the context of sexual offense statutes. By defining who qualifies as a victim, the bill aims to remove ambiguity in how victims are identified and treated under the state’s criminal and related legal framework. The intended effect is to ensure consistent application of rights, protections, and services for individuals affected by sexual offenses.

Note: The exact language and scope of the definition would be found in the bill text. The overview below describes potential areas such a definition could affect, based on common practice in similar statutes.

Key provisions and potential changes (as typically addressed by a victim-definitional bill)

Because the full text is not provided, key provisions likely to be included (and their impacts) may involve:
- Definition scope: Who is considered a "victim" for purposes of sexual offense statutes (e.g., direct victims, and potentially other individuals connected to the offense such as guardians or dependents in certain contexts).
- Rights and protections: Clarification of victim rights in proceedings (notice, participation, confidentiality, support services).
- Access to services: Eligibility for victim assistance programs, counseling, and other support funded by state programs or victim compensation funds.
- Prosecution and court processes: Alignment of the definition with discovery, restitution, and protective measures (e.g., orders of protection, witness accommodations).
- Relationship to other statutes: Consistency with definitions used in related criminal law, child protection, and domestic violence provisions.

If enacted, these provisions could expand, narrow, or clarify who is eligible for victim-related rights and services in sexual offense cases.

Who would be affected

  • Individuals alleged to be victims of sexual offenses (as defined by the bill).
  • Criminal prosecutors, defense counsel, and judges handling sexual offense cases.
  • Agencies administering victim services and compensation programs.
  • Law enforcement and victim-witness advocates who support sexual offense victims.
  • Potentially, guardians or family members in certain circumstances if the definition encompasses related parties.

Procedural status and timeline

  • Introduced on March 4, 2025.
  • Referred to the Assembly Codes Committee, indicating the bill is at an early stage and pending committee consideration, hearings, and potential amendments.
  • Related companion in the Senate (S 5041), signaling cross-chamber interest and potential eventual floor action in both houses.

Related legislation

  • A 10969 (prior-session)
  • A 7845 (prior-session)
  • A 1068 (prior-session)
  • S 5041 (companion)

Notes

  • This summary is based on the bill’s title and status. The exact substantive provisions will be contained in the full text of A 6338. If you need a detailed analysis, please provide the bill’s text or a link to the official version.

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

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