S. 3706: Victims' VOICES Act

118th Congress · Sponsored from Texas · Became law

What this bill does

Victims' Voices Outside and Inside the Courtroom Effectiveness Act or the Victims' VOICES ActThis bill makes a person who has assumed a victim's rights eligible to receive restitution for certain expenses from a convicted defendant. The bill applies to a person (i.e., legal guardian, representative of the victim's estate, another family member, or any other person appointed as suitable by the court) who has assumed the rights of a victim because such victim is under 18 years of age, incompetent, incapacitated, or deceased.Under the Mandatory Victims Restitution Act of 1996, federal courts must order defendants who are convicted of certain crimes to pay restitution to their victims. This restitution must include the costs to reimburse the victim for lost income and necessary child care, transportation, and other expenses incurred while participating in the investigation or prosecution of the offense or attending proceedings relating to the offense, as well as medical and nonmedical care and treatment, and other associated costs.This bill specifies that, in ordering restitution, a court must order the defendant to pay restitution to a person who has assumed the victim's rights. In particular, the defendant must pay restitution to reimburse the person's necessary and reasonable costs for (1) lost income, child care, transportation, and other expenses associated with participating in the investigation or prosecution of the offense or attending proceedings relating to the offense; and (2) lost income, transportation, and other expenses associated with transporting a victim to receive medical and nonmedical care and treatment (including physical and occupational therapy and rehabilitation).

Key facts

• Status Became law
• Introduced 2024-01-31
• Policy area Crime and Law Enforcement
• Cosponsors 3
• Latest action Became Public Law No: 118-77.

Sponsor

Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]

Lead sponsor · Texas

R

Who funds the sponsor?

Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX] introduced S. 3706. On Voterly you can see their top campaign donors from public Federal Election Commission records — individuals, PACs, and industry groups (follow the money) — and compare that with how they vote.

See Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]'s donors & voting record →

Campaign donations show who helps fund the sponsor's election; they are not the same as who drafted or lobbied for the bill text. Lobbying disclosures are separate public records.

Take a position & compare alignment

Agree or disagree with S. 3706? Go to the homepage to record your view and compare your stance with how your representatives vote. See Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]'s profile to vote on their bills and check your alignment % with the sponsor.

Read the official text on Congress.gov →