All Roll Calls
Yes: 408 • No: 2
118-s-3706118th Congress
Victims' VOICES Act
Sponsored By: Senator Cornyn, John [R-TX]
Became Law
Summary
The Victims' VOICES Act clarifies that courts must order restitution to people who assume a victim's rights for necessary and reasonable expenses tied to participating in or attending criminal investigations, prosecutions, and related proceedings. It specifies categories of reimbursable costs, like lost income, child care, transportation, medical and mental health care, and physical and occupational therapy.
Show full summary
- People who assume a victim's rights can recover necessary and reasonable expenses for participating in or attending investigations, prosecutions, and proceedings, including lost income and child care.
- Those who transport victims for necessary medical, psychiatric, psychological, or nonmedical care recognized by the law of the place of treatment, or for physical and occupational therapy, can be reimbursed for transportation and related costs.
- Courts will apply this clarification within the existing restitution process and must award restitution to the person who assumed the victim's rights.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Reimbursement for victim-rights representatives' costs
If you have legally assumed a victim’s rights, the court must order restitution to reimburse your necessary and reasonable costs. Covered costs include lost income, child care, transportation, and other expenses tied to taking part in the case or attending hearings. It also covers your lost income and travel costs to transport the victim for needed medical, psychiatric, psychological, and recognized nonmedical care. It also covers your lost income and travel costs to transport the victim for needed physical or occupational therapy and rehabilitation. The judge decides the amount in each case. This applies now.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Cornyn, John [R-TX]
TX • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
CT • D
Sponsored 1/31/2024
Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]
TN • R
Sponsored 1/31/2024
Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]
RI • D
Sponsored 1/31/2024
Roll Call Votes
house vote • 7/23/2024
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass
Yes: 408 • No: 2