HLS 21RS-1092 ORIGINAL
2021 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 17
BY REPRESENTATIVE HILFERTY
SPECIAL DAY/WEEK/MONTH: Recognizes April 18-24, 2021, as National Crime
Victims' Rights Week in Louisiana
1 A RESOLUTION
2To recognize April 18-24, 2021, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week in Louisiana.
3 WHEREAS, being a victim of crime and navigating the criminal justice system can
4be a frightening and confusing experience; and
5 WHEREAS, progress in improving the treatment of crime victims has been made
6through the efforts of thousands of victims and survivors who have turned their own
7experiences into a force for positive change; and
8 WHEREAS, through these efforts, victims and survivors ensure that others can
9receive justice, meaningful assistance, and compassionate treatment before the law; and
10 WHEREAS, since the passage of the Victims of Crime Act of 1984, and through the
11dedicated work of advocates, lawmakers, and victim service providers, there is a growing
12array of services and resources available to victims and their loved ones; and
13 WHEREAS, the rights of crime victims in Louisiana are codified under R.S.
1446:1844, which provides for the following rights: to reasonable notice and to be present and
15heard during all critical stages of pre- and post-conviction proceedings; to confer with the
16prosecution prior to final disposition of the case; to refuse to be interviewed by the accused
17or a representative of the accused; to review and comment on any presentence report; to a
18reasonably prompt conclusion of the case; to seek restitution; and to be informed upon the
19release from custody or the escape of the accused or the offender; and
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HR NO. 17
1 WHEREAS, honoring the rights of victims, including the rights to be heard and to
2be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect, and working to meet the needs of crime victims
3help to rebuild trust in the criminal and social service systems; and
4 WHEREAS, individuals' trust in the compassion, understanding, and support of their
5communities is achieved through sustained, deep-rooted, and coordinated outreach; and
6 WHEREAS, identifying, reaching, and serving all victims of crime, especially those
7from groups that have less access to healing services and avenues to justice, is essential; and
8 WHEREAS, Louisiana's continued engagement with the challenges faced by victims
9of crime will ensure that the progress made to date is not lost and that new ground is broken
10to gain greater justice and healing for all victims; and
11 WHEREAS, National Crime Victims' Rights Week provides an opportunity to
12recommit to ensuring that accessible, appropriate, and trauma-informed services are offered
13to all victims of crime.
14 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
15Legislature of Louisiana does hereby recognize April 18-24, 2021, as National Crime
16Victims' Rights Week in Louisiana.
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)]
HR 17 Original 2021 Regular Session Hilferty
Recognizes April 18-24, 2021, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week in La.
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