BILL REQ. #:  H-0337.1 

Read first time 01/24/13.   Referred to Committee on Judiciary.

     AN ACT Relating to victims of crime; and adding a new section to chapter 7.69 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 7.69 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) At all criminal proceedings before a court, the presiding officer shall inquire as to the presence of the victim and/or a survivor of the victim and, whether the victim is present or not, shall read the following:
     "Victims of crime have rights under Washington law with the intent to ensure that all victims and witnesses of crime are treated with dignity, respect, courtesy, and sensitivity; and that the rights of victims, survivors of victims, and witnesses of crime are honored and protected by law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and judges in a manner no less vigorous than the protections afforded criminal defendants. A flier with the complete list of victim rights is available outside this courtroom."
     (2) The court shall make available fliers with a complete list of victims' rights outside the courtroom.