ATLANTA – House Bill 567, an update to the Georgia Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights, received final passage with overwhelming bipartisan support on Wednesday, April 21, 2010. Sponsored by Representative Don Parsons (R-Marietta), HB 567 enhances and strengthens Georgia’s laws as they relate to crime victims.
“Almost two years ago I met with a crime victim who convinced me that Georgia law needed to be updated and strengthened,” said Representative Parsons. “Among other things, I wanted to make certain that crime victims have the right to be notified, be heard, and be present at all proceedings.”
Among the numerous provisions included in HB 567 are measures to strengthen current law related to restitution. The bill also ensures victims have the opportunity to be heard at a convicted offender’s presentence hearing and it expands victims’ rights to notifications pertaining to their offender, such as notice of the offender’s motion for a new trial or release.
A link to HB 567 can be found by clicking here. The bill now awaits the signature of the governor before becoming law.
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Representative Don Parsons represents the citizens of District 42, which includes portions of Cobb County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 1994, and is currently the Chairman of the Energy, Utilities, & Telecommunications Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations, Health and Human Services, and Ways and Means Committee.