Victims of crimes in Arizona won’t have any new rights under a bill signed by Governor Napolitano, but they will get the chance to hear their rights recited in daily court proceedings.

Ms. Napolitano signed S1222 on April 19.

Arizona voters passed Proposition 104 in 1990, which amended the state Constitution to include a “Victims’ Bill of Rights.” They include the right for victims to be present at all criminal proceedings at which the defendant has the right to attend, to be informed when an accused or convicted person has been released or escaped from custody, and “to receive prompt restitution from the person or persons convicted of the criminal conduct that caused the victim’s loss or injury.”

S1222 doesn’t modify any of those rights, but does require Superior Court judges to read a statement of victims’ rights at “the daily commencement of the criminal docket,” according to a fact sheet about the legislation.

Dan Levey, the governor’s adviser for crime victims’ rights, said he has sought the passage of such a measure since Ms. Napolitano appointed him at the beginning of her administration.

“The importance of the legislation is that it’s a reiteration of the victims’ rights,” Mr. Levey said. “It reinforces to the victims that they do have rights, and shows some respect to victims.

“I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve sat next to victims in court and heard the judge reiterate the rights of the defendant to the jury,” Mr. Levey said. “I’m not complaining about it, but often the only other time that a victim receives the list of rights is when they’re talking to police after they’ve been victimized or someone they know and love has been victimized.” —