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Assembly approves chapter amendment to require prosecutors provide plain-language written felony dispositions to victims
Summary
The Assembly passed a chapter amendment (rules report 36) requiring prosecutors to "provide" written felony dispositions to victims through "reasonable and secure" means (Ayes 98, Noes 43). Debate centered on whether a certificate of disposition qualifies and whether the change could create inconsistent practices across DA offices.
The Assembly on Feb. 3 approved a chapter amendment to the Criminal Procedure Law that changes how victims receive a written disposition at the close of a felony case. Under the measure, the requirement that a written disposition be mailed is removed and replaced with a mandate that the written disposition be "provided" by reasonable and secure means.
The sponsor said the intent is to give crime victims "procedural dignity" by providing a plain-language summary of the final disposition (for example: sentence, time, fines, probation) rather than the jargon-heavy certificate of disposition that many victims find difficult to understand. The sponsor said, "When their case is closed, they deserve to know exactly what happened in the felony case. They deserve to know the sentence." The sponsor also stated a certificate of disposition would not qualify because it uses jargon (DDT, SDT, ACD, etc.).
Questioners pressed the sponsor on the risk that giving prosecutors discretion to provide summaries could create inconsistencies across district attorney offices, whether multiple victims would each receive an individualized summary, and whether a certificate of disposition might still serve the need of victims seeking an official record. The sponsor replied that the bill was thoughtfully written to allow prosecutors to include the common-sense facts of the case and that each office would likely create templates through victim services to ensure secure delivery and clarity.
Miss Bailey expressed concern that adding flexibility could open room for error and leave the summary out of the official record, making it harder for victims to obtain a document later; she said certificates of disposition remain the filed official document. Mister Lehi explained his support, saying prosecutors are in the best position to explain dispositions and help victims understand outcomes.
The clerk recorded the vote as Ayes 98, Noes 43, and the chapter amendment passed. Members debated how to balance clarity for victims with the need for a consistent, recorded official filing.
