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Homicide Victims' Families' Rights: New Cold Case Review Opportunities

This new law grants families of homicide victims the right to request a review of cold case files by federal agencies. The aim is to uncover new leads or identify perpetrators, potentially bringing closure and justice to loved ones. The act establishes clear rules and timelines for agencies, ensuring families receive information and consultation.
Key points
Families of cold case murder victims can apply for federal law enforcement agencies to review case files.
Agencies must assess if a reinvestigation could yield new leads or identify a perpetrator, and update case files.
The review must be completed within 6 months, with a possible one-time extension for another 6 months.
If the review warrants it, the agency must conduct a full reinvestigation, led by a different person than the original investigator.
Agencies will regularly consult with applicants and provide updates on progress and decisions.
The law applies to murders committed on or after January 1, 1970, and includes mechanisms for compliance oversight.
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_S_4549
Sponsor: Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
Process start date: 2022-07-19
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Homicide Victims’ Families’ Rights Act of 2022

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_S_4549.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2022-07-19.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Families of cold case murder victims can apply for federal law enforcement agencies to review case files.
  • Agencies must assess if a reinvestigation could yield new leads or identify a perpetrator, and update case files.
  • The review must be completed within 6 months, with a possible one-time extension for another 6 months.
  • If the review warrants it, the agency must conduct a full reinvestigation, led by a different person than the original investigator.
  • Agencies will regularly consult with applicants and provide updates on progress and decisions.
  • The law applies to murders committed on or after January 1, 1970, and includes mechanisms for compliance oversight.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-29.

CATEGORIES

Courts and Law Family Security