Sanchez Introduces Legislation Focused on Strengthening Crime Victims’ Rights

Sacramento, CA – On Wednesday, January 4, 2023, Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez (R-Rancho Santa Margarita) introduced two bills, AB 88 and AB 89, affirming her commitment to crime victims and their families.

“These two bills express my support of crime victims and my dedication to ensuring that their voice is always heard,” said Sanchez. “For far too long, we have allowed criminals to have more rights than victims of their crimes. These two pieces of legislation work to change that.”

AB 89, The Crime Victims Advocate Bill, will require a District Attorney to notify crime victims and their family members if they will not be sending representative to attend a parole hearing. Legal representation at these hearings is paramount in ensuring that dangerous criminals remain behind bars and away from our communities.

AB 88, Voice of the Victim Bill, prohibits the Board of Parole Hearings from requiring more than 15 days’ minimum notice that a victim, victim’s next of kin, member of the victim’s family, victim’s representative, counsel representing any of these persons, or victims support persons must give their intention to attend a parole suitability hearing. The bill also provides crime victims a means of having their opinion heard on a petition on resentencing, even if the defense and prosecution both agree to waive the hearing.

Improving crime victims’ rights is essential for making stronger communities. In 2008, Marsy’s Law codified the expansion of the rights of victims in the State of California. Once passed, AB 88 and AB 89 will follow the great example set forth by Marsy’s Law and strengthen these rights even further.

Kate Sanchez was elected to the California State Assembly and serves 71^st California Assembly District. Kate is a proud mom, and businesswoman and has been a proven advocate for parental rights, and public safety and continues to fight against California tax increases. In the State Assembly, she will represent the cities of mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Temecula, Murrieta, Wildomar, and unincorporated areas of French Valley, Temecula Wine Country and Orange County.