I am often amazed with technology in this new digital age we live in. We have immediate access to libraries worth of information in the palm of our hand. Government is utilizing technology to keep citizens more informed than they have ever been. We get Amber alerts for missing children. We get weather alerts sent directly to our smart phones. The Department of Transportation has web cams across the state that give us real-time road conditions. The Department of Game, Fish and Parks sends us reminders when game seasons are about to end and when our licenses are about to expire. Schools send parents report cards and other important information… and the list goes on. 

However, modern technology is not being used to provide information to crime victims in South Dakota like it should. In fact, we are one of only five states in the nation that do not have an automated notification system to provide important notices about hearings and custody changes to victims.

Fortunately, our state is working on implementing a new Statewide Automated Victim Notification System (SAVIN). Unfortunately, under current state law, it will only be made available to a limited number of victims. Marsy’s Law will make the existing system available to all crime victims and their families. The technology will be in place so it just makes sense to give all victims access to it. Moreover, it is the right thing to do. Vote YES on S!

– Jason Glodt, State Director Marsy’s Law for South Dakota