ALEX DeCROCE’S LAW ENHANCING CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS

Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce / 973-884-6190
Assemblyman Bob Schroeder / 201-391-3673

Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi / 201-666-0881

Assembly Republican Press Office / 609-847-3400

BILL WOULD STRENGTHEN PROTECTIONS FOR CRIME VICTIMS –

WHICH THE LATE REPUBLICAN LEADER ALEX DeCROCE STRONGLY SUPPORTED

            Bipartisan legislation enhancing the rights of crime victims was approved by Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee today. It is named for the former Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce, who championed the rights of crime victims.

            “Alex DeCroce’s Law,” is sponsored by Assembly Republicans BettyLou DeCroce, Bob Schroeder and Holly Schepisi.

            “This bill builds upon the rights of crime victims that Alex and I fought so hard to secure through a public referendum that changed the constitution,” said BettyLou DeCroce, R-Morris, Essex and Passaic, a former trustee of the New Jersey Crime Victims’ Law Center. “As the court process plays out, crime victims deserve equal, if not preferential treatment from the court system. They deserve to know when hearings will occur, be safe from intimidation and receive fair compensation for their losses.”

            The bipartisan bill, A-2380, would ensure:

• Victims are notified about the progress of their case, including any changes in the court schedule.
• Protect them from harassment or abuse by defendants or their supporters.
• Provide medical assistance that is related to the crime.
• Guarantee compensation for losses sustained by the victim.
• Give greater consideration to a victim’s impact statement.
• Allow victims to display a picture or wear a button in support of a murdered loved one in court.

“Crime victims deserve our empathy and protection as they endure the process of bringing criminals to justice,” Assemblyman Bob Schroeder, R-Bergen and Passaic, said. “They help prevent others from having to suffer the same ordeal they have experienced, and we need to do everything we can to support them. I’m honored to continue to advance the rights of crime victims in the name of Alex DeCroce. ”

            Alex DeCroce sponsored and advocated for the Victims’ Rights Amendment – a landmark amendment to the New Jersey Constitution that guaranteed the rights of crime victims. After voters approved the amendment, crime victims’ rights were constitutionally-protected in 1991.

Alex DeCroce had sponsored legislation strengthening those rights for several sessions and his measure was on the agenda, but not called for a vote, on the last day of the 214^th Legislature. The former Assembly Republican leader died in the Statehouse that night after the session ended.

            “Alex DeCroce revolutionized the way crime victims are treated in New Jersey and this legislation will ensure that innocent people are not re-victimized during the legal process,” Schepisi, R-Bergen and Passaic, said. “The fair and compassionate treatment of victims is a pillar of our judicial system.”

BETTYLOU DeCROCE ASSEMBLY’S NEWEST MEMBER

Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, R- Morris, Essex and Passaic, was sworn in today in Trenton as the newest member of the General Assembly. DeCroce succeeds her late husband, former Assemblyman and Minority Leader Alex DeCroce, who passed away unexpectedly on January 9. Assemblywoman DeCroce joins Senator Joe Pennacchio and Assemblyman Jay Webber serving the 26th Legislative District.

Previously, Assemblywoman DeCroce served as a councilwoman in Mine Hill and as the Roxbury Township municipal clerk and deputy township manager. Most recently, she served as deputy commissioner in the state Department of Community Affairs.

“No one can ever fill Alex’s shoes or compare to the contributions he made to the people of New Jersey,” said DeCroce. “I have spent my professional career serving the public, and I am eager to be a part of the effort to make New Jersey a better place to live and work. I am committed to serving the needs of my constituents and intend to be a voice that represents the interests of taxpayers. While this is a bittersweet moment for me, I am sure Alex would be happy that I am able to serve the public as he proudly did for over 20 years.”

Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick, R-Union, Morris and Somerset, welcomed DeCroce to the Assembly, commenting, “Assemblywoman DeCroce has extensive experience in government and leadership, having been a former deputy commissioner and councilwoman. We welcome her to the caucus as she follows in her husband's tradition as an honest and sincere public servant.”

www.NJAssemblyRepublicans.com