Crime Victims’ Rights Amendment Passes State House

State Rep. Dennis Reboletti (R-46th, Elmhurst) was chief co-sponsor of a new constitutional amendment to ensure the rights of crime victims and their families are protected in Illinois. It passed the House Feb. 8.
 
“As a former prosecutor, I am keenly sensitive to the needs of victims and their families,” Reboletti said. “It is important that victims have the same level of constitutional rights as criminal defendants already enjoy.”
 
House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 29 passed the House 116-2. It will place before Illinois voters an amendment to the state constitution establishing new rights for the safety of crime victims and their families, including:

• the right to be free from harassment, intimidation and abuse
• the right to refuse to disclose information that is privileged or confidential by law
• the right to timely notification of post-trial proceedings
• the right to be heard in person or in any other reasonable manner the victim chooses at any proceeding involving potential release of the accused
• the right to receive a report prepared for sentencing, reduction in sentence, parole, early release or clemency when available to the accused
• the right to have the safety of the victim and victim’s family considered when determining bail or other provisions for release of the accused

The amendment must now pass the Illinois Senate by a three-fifths supermajority and be ratified by voters in a general election in order to be added to the state Constitution.