Senate Bill 135 if signed by the governor will require prosecutors and judges to consider a victim's right to a timely disposition of their case when deciding whether to allow continuances.

The bill, sponsered by Senator Hollis French insures that vicitms are notified of any requests or motions that could substantially delay speedy prosecution of the case.

“The right to a speedy trial is generally thought of as a protection for those accused of a crime, but victims have an equally compelling interest in the timely resolution of a case,” said Senator French. “This bill fulfills promises made by a 1994 amendment to the State’s constitution which ensures victims receive the same consideration in their rights to a speedy trial as defendants.”

Working with Karen Foster, who is the mother of Bonnie Craig. Craig was just 18-years old in 1994 when she was abducted, brutally raped, and murdered in South Anchorage. Twelve years later in 2006, a DNA database established by the state legislature linked Kenneth Dion to the crime, but it was another five years before his trial was held and a jury convicted him. Last year, 17 years after the vicious attack, Dion was sentenced to 124 years behind bars for Craig’s murder.

French also worked with other victim’s rights groups while fashioning this legislation.

Senator French, who is a former prosecutor, said this of the Senate Bill, “This bill puts statutory teeth into victim’s constitutional rights,” he said. “Extensive delays create intolerable stress for victims. This bill will help victims reach emotional, physical, and financial closure from the trauma they suffered as a result of the crime perpetrated against them.”

The bill is now on its way to the desk of Governor Parnell for his approval.