Austin News

U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and U.S. Representatives Harriet Hageman (WY-At-Large) and Lucy McBath (GA-07) have introduced the Victims’ Voices Outside and Inside the Courtroom Effectiveness (Victims’ VOICES) Act. The bill aims to ensure that family members, legal guardians, and those appointed by the court who act on behalf of a victim during certain criminal court case proceedings receive restitution from convicted defendants for the costs they incur as a result of the offense.

The Victims’ VOICES Act would require offenders to pay victims’ proxies for related expenses such as transportation, lost income, and childcare. The legislation seeks to provide fair compensation to those who support and advocate for victims of violent crimes.

Sen. Cornyn stated, “Family members and others who act on behalf of the victim of a violent crime, including children and the deceased, should be fairly compensated for the expenses they incur to vindicate the victim’s rights. This legislation would make sure these individuals receive the restitution they are rightfully owed from those who committed the crime.”

Sen. Blumenthal emphasized the difficulties faced by victims and their loved ones after violent crimes, stating, “Victims and their loved ones face tremendous hardship in the aftermath of violent crimes, and costly fees incurred while seeking justice only add to this stress. The Victims’ Voices Outside and Inside the Courtroom Effectiveness Act ensures that those acting on behalf of victims receive fair and full compensation, lightening the burden for victims and their families and making it easier to fully access justice.”

Sen. Blackburn highlighted the gaps in current law, stating, “Under federal law, those convicted of certain crimes are required to pay restitution to their victims – helping cover necessary expenses such as medical care. However, that is not the case for a person assuming the rights of a victim who is a minor, deceased, or unable to act for themselves. This is important legislation to ensure all victims receive the justice they deserve.”

Sen. Whitehouse stressed the importance of financial support for families of victims while holding perpetrators accountable, saying, “The road to recovery after a violent crime can be costly for both victims and their loved ones who support them. Our bipartisan legislation would expand restitution coverage to ensure families of victims are financially supported while holding perpetrators accountable and seeking justice.”

Rep. Hageman expressed her pride in introducing the bipartisan legislation, stating, “I am proud to introduce this bicameral, bipartisan legislation which clarifies Congressional intent in the wake of harmful judicial interpretations. By guaranteeing that a person who assumes the rights of a victim is eligible for restitution, we will strengthen the ability to care for victims and bring fully to justice those who harmed them. Treating victims with fairness and compassion should be a unanimous concept and I look forward to seeing the Victims’ VOICES Act become law.”

Rep. McBath highlighted the ripple effects of crime on a victim's support network, stating, “The devastation and hardship in the aftermath of a crime can have ripple effects across a victim’s entire support network. Parents and guardians may face significant challenges of their own when assisting a loved one as they seek to heal from a traumatic event. The Victims’ VOICES Act ensures that a parent, guardian, or court-appointed individual is guaranteed eligibility for restitution if they must assume the rights of the victim they are supporting. I am proud to champion this bipartisan, bicameral legislation and thank my colleagues for their collaboration.”

The legislation is also cosponsored by Representatives Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) and Hank Johnson (GA-04).

The Victims’ VOICES Act seeks to address the gaps in the Mandatory Victims Restitution Act, which was signed into law in 1996. Currently, individuals acting on behalf of a victim have been precluded from receiving restitution for their own lost income, transportation, childcare, and other costs. This has imposed a significant hardship on the victim’s representative and created a barrier to vindicating the victim’s rights. The Victims’ VOICES Act would amend existing law to clarify that a person who acts on behalf of a victim is eligible to receive restitution for the expenses associated with participating in the investigation or prosecution of the offense and attending related court proceedings.

The legislation has garnered endorsements from various organizations, including the National District Attorneys Association, Raven, National Children’s Alliance, Major County Sheriffs of America, the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), and National Native American Law Enforcement Association.

With the introduction of the Victims’ VOICES Act, lawmakers aim to ensure that victims' proxies receive the restitution they deserve and alleviate the financial burden faced by those who support and advocate for victims of violent crimes.