Assemblywoman Suzette Martinez Valladares, R-Santa Clarita, announced Tuesday that two assembly bills, aiming to protect crime victims and “combat the reckless policies of Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón,” passed the Assembly Public Safety Committee. 

Breaking down the barriers that burden crime victims and their families, AB 1846 and AB 1847 provides the resources necessary for victims to be heard during parole or resentencing hearings. 

“Crime victims shouldn’t have to fend for themselves while navigating our complex legal system,” Valladares said. “My common-sense proposals will ensure that crime victims’ voices will be heard and respected during the parole process, regardless of Gascón’s dangerous and misguided policies.”

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Existing law authorizes the victim, the victim’s next of kin, the victim’s family members or two representatives designated by the victim to appear before the Board of Parole at parole suitability hearings to express their views concerning the inmate in the specified case.  

AB 1846 provides aid to crime victims and their families that need to hire private attorneys to attend parole hearings on their behalf when the district attorney fails to send a representative, according to Valladares. 

The bill also requires the Los Angeles County District Attorney to notify crime victims and their family members if the DA’s office chooses not to send a representative to advocate for the victims and justice at a parole hearing, according to AB 1846. 

“Victims and victims’ families need a legal representative there to make sure their rights are enforced,” said Richard Vos, whose wife was murdered 40 years ago. “I have been a firefighter and paramedic for 34 years. In my years, I have seen just about everything and am used to handling stressful and adverse conditions. Few things have been as stressful for me as the most recent parole hearing where I had to navigate the legal process without the presence or help of an attorney or district attorney.”

AB 1847 prohibits the Board of Parole Hearings from requiring more than 15 days minimum notice for a victim, any member of the victim’s family or their representative to attend a parole suitability hearing, read the bill. 

The bill also provides crime victims the ability to express their opinion on a petition of resentencing, even if the defense and prosecution both agree to waive the hearing, according to Valladares. 

“Keeping our neighborhoods safe is my top responsibility – and these proposals will help bring criminals to justice,” Valladares said. “We must stop these insane policies that silences victims. This vote was a huge step towards ensuring that crime victims’ voices are heard, helping them find closure and the peace they so richly deserve.” 

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