PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4271)
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Apr 7, 2003
Crime Victims Assistance Act of 2003 - Amends: (1) the Victims' Rights and Restitution Act of 1990 to require a responsible official to arrange for a victim to receive reasonable protection from a suspected offender, to consult with a victim prior to a detention hearing, and to consider the victim's views about any contemplated plea agreement; (2) the Federal criminal code to require the judicial officer to inquire regarding the victim's views on detention; and (3) Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to prohibit the court from entering a judgment upon a guilty plea without inquiring regarding the victim's views.Provides for expanded victim's rights regarding standing to attend the trial and rights at sentencing. Specifies victim rights regarding notice of sentence adjustment, executive clemency, and the death of the offender in custody.Directs the Attorney General to promulgate regulations to enforce victims' rights and to establish and carry out pilot programs regarding victims' rights.Amends the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to authorize grants for: (1) state-of-the-art systems for notifying crime victims of important dates and developments; (2) restorative justice programs; (3) interdisciplinary coordinated service programs for crime victims; and (4) the extension of services to victims with special communication needs.Modifies provisions regarding the formula for Crime Victims Fund distributions.Directs that any limitation on spending from the Fund included in the President's budget or enacted in appropriations legislation for FY 2004 or any subsequent fiscal year not be scored as discretionary savings.
People & committees
Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT] · D–VT
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4271)
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S4903-4907)
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4902-4903)
Introduced in Senate
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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