Changing the Washington code of military justice so that it includes certain protections for victims of an offense while serving within the organized militia of Washington.

Victims' rights in Washington Guard cases

The law sets clear rights for victims in Washington National Guard cases. You get reasonable protection from the accused. You get timely notice of hearings, investigations, court-martial, posttrial motions that affect the case or your private info, clemency or parole boards, and any release or escape, unless notice would endanger someone. You can attend public hearings and be heard at confinement, sentencing, and clemency or parole; a judge can exclude you only with clear and convincing proof your testimony would change. You can confer with the state's lawyer, seek restitution when allowed, and expect proceedings without unreasonable delay. You get timely information about plea deals, separation instead of trial, or nonprosecution, unless sharing would harm an investigation or another person’s privacy. If the state plans to call you as a witness, it tells the defense your name. Defense interview requests go through your lawyer; if you ask, any interview happens only with the state’s lawyer, your lawyer, or a victim advocate present. You are treated with fairness, dignity, and privacy. These rights apply even if other state laws say otherwise and do not create a right to sue for money. A victim is someone who suffered direct physical, emotional, or financial harm.