Crime victim protections broadened

Crime victims’ rights and legal protections were broadened under a bill approved by lawmakers April 10.

LB1181, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Carolyn Bosn, expands the definition of a crime victim for reparations purposes and clarifies victims’ rights in homicide, domestic violence and post-conviction court proceedings.

The bill expands the definition of those impacted by a crime and eligible to access protections and services under the Nebraska Crime Victims’ Reparations Act to include relatives beyond immediate family members and others with close ties to the victim.

Additionally, LB1181 allows a victim to submit a written statement during a bond modification proceeding in certain abuse cases. The bill also requires notification when a defendant seeks to modify bond in domestic violence cases and allows victims or their representatives to submit impact statements during bond hearings and, subject to court limits, at sentencing.

Finally, the measure expands the definition of co-victims in homicide cases to include survivors who suffered severe emotional harm from the victim’s death, determined on a case-by-case basis.

The bill passed on a 49-0 vote.