SENSE OF THE SENATE CONCERNING THE RIGHT OF A VICTIM OF A VIOLENT CRIME OR SEXUAL ABUSE TO SPEAK AT AN OFFENDER'S SENTENCING HEARING AND ANY PAROLE HEARING.

SEC. 230102. SENSE OF THE SENATE CONCERNING THE RIGHT OF A VICTIM OF A VIOLENT CRIME OR SEXUAL ABUSE TO SPEAK AT AN OFFENDER'S SENTENCING HEARING AND ANY PAROLE HEARING. It is the sense of the Senate that— (1) the law of a State should provide for a victim's right of allocution at a sentencing hearing and at any parole hearing if the offender has been convicted of a crime of violence or sexual abuse; (2) such a victim should have an opportunity equivalent to the opportunity accorded to the offender to address the sentencing court or parole board and to present information in relation to the sentence imposed or to the early release of the offender; and (3) if the victim is not able to or chooses not to testify at a sentencing hearing or parole hearing, the victim's parents, legal guardian, or family members should have the right to address the court or board.