DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 131 Original 2019 Regular Session Coussan
Abstract: Requires individuals working on behalf of the defendant to notify the victim or victim's
family in writing prior to requesting an interview.
Present law, regarding rights of crime victims, provides the victim or the victim's family with the
right to refuse any requests for interviews with individuals working on behalf of the defendant.
Additionally, the victim can be subpoenaed, however the defendant shall show good cause at a
contradictory hearing with the district attorney as to why the subpoena should be issued.
Proposed law retains present law and requires any individual working on behalf of the defendant to
clearly and unambiguously notify the victim or the victim's family in writing of their representation
or work on behalf of the defendant and of the right to refuse the interview. This notification must
be submitted prior to requesting an interview with the victim or victim's family.
(Amends R.S. 46:1844(C)(3))