Austin News

U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) along with U.S. Representatives Harriet Hageman (WY-At-Large) and Lucy McBath (GA-07) announced that their Victims’ Voices Outside and Inside the Courtroom Effectiveness (Victims’ VOICES) Act has passed the House and is now headed to President Biden’s desk for approval.

The bill mandates that convicted offenders provide restitution to family members, legal guardians, or court-appointed representatives acting on behalf of victims during criminal court proceedings. The restitution would cover expenses such as transportation, lost income, and childcare incurred by these representatives.

“Family members of violent crime victims, including children and those who have died, should be reimbursed for the financial burden they take on to achieve justice for their loved ones,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation would make victims’ representatives whole by ensuring they receive restitution from convicted criminals, and I urge the President to sign it into law without delay.”

Sen. Blumenthal emphasized the hardships faced by victims and their families: “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.”

Sen. Blackburn highlighted a gap in current federal law: “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.”

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

Rep. Hageman noted specific challenges within tribal communities: “Under current federal law, those convicted of a crime may be required to pay restitution to their victim; however, a person assuming rights for a victim may not be eligible for restitution even when they play a necessary role in the legal process.”

Rep. McBath underscored the broader impact on families: “The devastation and hardship in the aftermath of a crime can have ripple effects across a victim’s entire support network. Families may face significant challenges of their own when assisting a loved one as they seek to heal from a traumatic event.”

The Mandatory Victims Restitution Act of 1996 requires defendants convicted of certain crimes to pay restitution covering various costs incurred by victims during investigations or prosecutions. The Victims’ VOICES Act aims to amend this law so that individuals acting on behalf of incapacitated or deceased victims can also receive compensation for related expenses.

The legislation has received endorsements from several organizations including the National District Attorneys Association, Raven, National Children’s Alliance, Major County Sheriffs of America, Rape Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), National Native American Law Enforcement Association, and National Organization for Victim Advocacy (NOVA).