The path to passing Marsy’s Law for Maine can be likened to one of Maine’s most beautiful natural places, Acadia National Park. Hosting more than three million visitors every year, Acadia ranks eighth on the list of our nation’s most popular national parks. It’s easy to understand why Acadia is so appealing to so many people. Carved by ancient glaciers, Acadia’s unique geology is a breathtaking combination of mountains, pristine lakes, and a craggy coastline that gives way to stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

One of the best ways to get to know Acadia’s landscape and wildlife is through its many hiking trails. With steep grades that require steady climbing, some of Acadia’s trails aren’t for the faint of heart. Yet they are challenging paths that lead to the most rewarding scenic views.
Marsy’s Law for Maine will face many challenges on the path to becoming a reality in Maine, but the hard work involved in establishing a much-needed Victims’ Bill of Rights in Maine’s Constitution is a worthy endeavor with a great potential reward.

The process of amending the state Constitution starts with a bill in the Maine Legislature. Marsy’s Law for Maine, L.D. 1168, has been introduced and assigned to the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee. Public views will be soon be heard by the committee, which will then debate the bill on its merits and report to the entire Legislature with a recommendation to either pass or not pass the bill.
Then the bill must garner affirmative votes from two-thirds of the membership of the Maine House of Representatives and the Maine State Senate in order to pass. Once passed by the Legislature, Maine voters will consider Marsy’s Law for Maine and decide its ultimate fate at the ballot box in November.

If you agree that no criminal should have more rights than the victim of the crime, you can help Marsy’s Law for Maine on its difficult path through the Legislature by letting your state representative and state senator know that you support granting equal rights to crime victims in the judicial process.

Working together, we can make Marsy’s Law for Maine and equal rights for crime victims a reality.