A proposed law to protect victims of insane offenders has been drawn and is set to go to Parliament.
The Bill, from National's Louise Upston, aims to ensure the victims of legally insane offenders "are treated the same as other victims of crime".
If passed, it would rename the verdict of 'not guilty on account of insanity'.
"The new verdict would acknowledge that the offender did commit the criminal act," Ms Upston said.
The Bill comes after Justice Minister Andrew Little promised in January to rename the verdict.
The Government’s promising to rename the verdict of “not guilty on account of insanity” to acknowledge the offender committed the crime. (Source: Other)
"We have to find a form of words that I think properly reflects in the 21st century what we understand to have happened," Mr Little said.
Mr Little also wanted the victims of those who are declared insane to be given more information about an offender's release.
But, unlike National, he did not believe the families need to be consulted over the decision.
"The considerations there are about mental health and those particular issues... I'm not quite sure what the victim's family would bring to that," he said at the time.
Ms Upston said National wanted to make sure "that victims can have their say, that they can appear either in person or by a written statement to make sure their voice is heard".
"Victims should be at the heart of our justice system, that’s why my Bill will also ensure that victims of legally insane offenders will be notified if the offender is being released from a secure health care facility into the community."
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