WHEREAS, across the nation, the week of April 24 through April 30, 2022, is National Crime Victims' Rights Week; and

WHEREAS, the Oklahoma House of Representatives is recognizing Wednesday, April 27, 2022, as Victims' Rights Day at the State Capitol; and

WHEREAS, the theme this year for National Crime Victims' Rights Week is “Rights, access, equity, for all victims”; and

WHEREAS, advocates believe all victims deserve equal rights throughout the judicial system; and

WHEREAS, the rights of victims being pursued aim to provide coequal protections that are no more or no less than the rights afforded to those accused and convicted of crimes; and

WHEREAS, consideration, awareness, and a voice for victims are central to the remembrance of victims during National Crime Victims' Rights Week; and

WHEREAS, Oklahoma agrees that victims should always be treated with fairness and respect throughout the criminal justice process, protected from the defendant, provided reasonable opportunities to be heard at public proceedings regarding his or her criminal case, and given a voice throughout each process of the criminal case; and

WHEREAS, National Crime Victims' Rights Week serves to recognize the needs of crime victims and those statewide advocacy organizations that are dedicated to guaranteeing victims' rights.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 2ND SESSION OF THE 58TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE:

THAT the Oklahoma House of Representatives hereby proclaims the week of April 24 through April 30, 2022, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week and proclaims Wednesday, April 27, 2022, as Victims' Rights Day.

THAT the Oklahoma House of Representatives shall join efforts with advocacy organizations throughout the State of Oklahoma to continue recognizing and supporting victims' rights.

THAT the Oklahoma House of Representatives reaffirms its commitment to help protect the rights of all Oklahoma crime victims, year-round.

THAT copies of this resolution be distributed to the Victims Division of the Oklahoma District Attorneys Council.