BOISE -- Community leaders and law enforcement held a news conference Thursday aimed at letting people know that they're on the victim's side. It's all part of an effort to promote Victims Rights Week, which pushes for victim's rights awareness and to honor those who advocate on their behalf.
State Senator Denton Darrington says several bills have passed during the last legislative session that's expected to help victims of crime. He says new funding for the VINE program will have offenders pay a $10 fee to insure their victims know when they're being released, or of any changes to court date appearances.
Darrington also says the Legislature and law enforcement have been working hard together to ensure public safety. "One of the major reason to enact the kind of legislation we enacted is for that very reason to keep people safe in their communities and in the state of Idaho," Darrington said.
Also, the passage of House Bill 570 will help law enforcement officers get compensated even if they get hurt by the action of another person while doing their job.
The bills take effect July 1.
