Idaho constitutional amendment passes Senate, heads to House

BOISE – A proposed state constitutional amendment aimed at protecting the legal rights of victims of crime has passes the Idaho Senate and now heads to the House.

KIVI-TV reports the proposed amendment, called Marsy’s Law, would provide reasonable and timely notification of criminal justice proceedings for victims of crimes, reasonable protection from the accused, the right to be heard at justice proceedings, and standing to assert their rights.

Marsy’s Law was added to the Victims’ Bill of Rights in California in 2008, following the murder of Marsy Nicholas by her ex-boyfriend. Since then, the law has taken effect in 10 other states.

Marsy’s Law fell five votes short of the two-thirds majority required for constitutional amendments last year in Idaho.