S611A

The New York State Senate passed legislation Tuesday that expands victim rights in vehicle and traffic cases, allowing crime survivors to address the court even when felony charges are reduced to misdemeanors. Senate Print 611A, sponsored by Sen. Stavisky, passed on a 56-0 roll call vote. The bill addresses a gap in current law where victims lose their right to be heard when charges are pleaded down from felony to misdemeanor level. Sen. Murray, speaking in support, noted that crime victims often feel victimized again when denied a voice in judicial proceedings, particularly in accident cases where they did nothing wrong but face life-altering consequences. "This changes that, and I think it's very, very important," Murray said, commending Stavisky for "giving voice to the victims." The legislation takes effect immediately upon enactment.