Victim’s Rights Initiative Gathers Steam in Montana
BOBBY CAINA CALVAN, Associated Press
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Backers of a ballot measure to expand rights for crime victims and their families say they have enough signatures to put the Marsy's Law initiative before voters in November.
Montana is one several states where national victims' rights advocates hope to build momentum for the law, now in effect in California and Illinois.
The law would amend the state constitution to require prosecutors to inform victims or their families of key developments in a case and accord them the right to be heard in proceedings.
Organizers say they have the minimum of at least 2,000 signatures from each of 29 counties, but will continue their efforts over the next two weeks before filing with the Secretary of State's Office.
Efforts also are underway to get the measure on ballots in Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Nevada, North Dakota and South Dakota.