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A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to protect the rights of crime victims.

Introduced: January 21, 1997 See on congress.gov
 Everywhere this bill has been 6 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Sep 28, 1998
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S11010-11013)
Apr 16, 1997
Committee on Judiciary. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 105-212.
Mar 19, 1997
Referred to Subcommittee on Constitution, Federalism, Property.
Jan 21, 1997
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Jan 21, 1997
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S560-561)
Jan 21, 1997
Introduced in Senate
 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Constitutional Amendment - Grants victims of crimes of violence and other crimes that the Congress may define by law the right to: (1) notice of, and to not be excluded from, all public proceedings relating to the crime; (2) be heard, if present, and to submit a statement at a public pre-trial or trial proceeding to determine a release from custody, an acceptance of a negotiated plea, or a sentence (grants such rights at a public parole proceeding, or at a non-public parole proceeding to the extent they are afforded to the convicted offender); (3) notice of a release pursuant to a public or parole proceeding or an escape; (4) a final disposition of the proceedings relating to the crime free from unreasonable delay; (5) an order of restitution from the convicted offender; (6) consideration for the victim's safety in determining any release from custody; and (7) notice of the rights established by this amendment.

Grants the victim standing to assert such rights. Provides that nothing in this amendment shall: (1) provide grounds for the victim to challenge a charging decision or a conviction, to obtain a stay of trial, or to compel a new trial or for the accused or convicted offender to obtain any form of relief; or (2) give rise to a claim for damages against the United States, a State, a political subdivision, or a public official.

Grants power to the Congress and the States to enforce this amendment within their respective jurisdictions by appropriate legislation, including the power to enact exceptions when required for compelling reasons of public safety or for judicial efficiency in mass victim cases.

What's happening now September 28, 1998

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S11010-11013)

 Committees of jurisdiction 2