Ohio ballot initiative, Marsy's Law, would guarantee rights for crime victims
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio victims of crime and their families would have the same constitutional rights as those accused or convicted of crimes under a new ballot initiative announced Tuesday.
Supporters of Marsy's Law, legislation that's been enacted in five states, are proposing a constitutional amendment for the November 2017 ballot. Under the proposed amendment, crime victims would have the right to be notified of all proceedings, as well as be heard at every step of the process. Victims would have the right to give input on all plea deals, as well as the right to restitution resulting from the financial impact of the crime.
Supporters plan to submit the proposed amendment and summary language to the attorney general Tuesday afternoon. The submission is the first step in a months-long and often costly process to qualify for the Ohio ballot.
Marsy's Law would replace the 1994 Ohio Victims' Rights Amendment, which victims' rights advocates said has been unenforceable. She said Marsy's Law will allow victims to assert their rights.
Read more: http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2017/01/ohio_criminal_justice_reform_b.html