We are grateful to have the support of a leading expert on victims’ rights, who will be in Hawaii Tuesday to testify on the Senate and House bills on Marsy’s Law for Hawaii. Meg Garvin has been the Executive Director of the National Crime Victim Law Institute since 2008, after joining the organization in 2003. She is also a clinical professor of law at Lewis & Clark Law School in Oregon. Meg has worked tirelessly to promote rights for victims at state, federal and military courts across the country. She even consulted with the U. S. Congress on the drafting of the 2004 Federal Crime Victims’ Rights Act.

Meg has been a key member of the team drafting the language for the Hawaii bills, which seek a constitutional amendment that would grant equal rights to victims of crime. Her team is also credited with developing the model language for Marsy’s Law that all states can use.

We are confident Meg can show our lawmakers the importance of Hawaii joining the 32 other states who provide important constitutional protections for victims. Marsy’s Law for Hawaii is also thankful for the many advocates who have been willing to share their stories of why the system currently does not work.

We will continue to seek your help in submitting letters to the editor or testimony to legislators. Visit our website and our Facebook/Twitter pages to stay updated on the latest updates from the Capitol, view our media coverage or find a link to a petition supporting equal rights for crime victims.