FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 21, 2017  ***MEDIA ADVISORY***

Councilmen Marz and Shaw Lend Their Support to Crime Victims’ Rights Effort

Marsy’s Law for Nevada has won the support of two more community leaders. Henderson City Council members John Marz and Dan Shaw have both endorsed this statewide effort to guarantee rights for victims of crime.

Mr. Marz was elected in April 2013 to the Henderson City Council representing Ward III after serving by appointment since January 2012. In 2014, he was appointed to serve on the National League of Cities First Tier Suburbs Council, which plays a key role in strengthening suburban communities across the nation, helping set organizational policies on federal issues while exploring city challenges. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Marz served on the Henderson Planning Commission and focused on the future of the City.

Councilman Dan Shaw was appointed in June 2017 to fill the vacant seat representing Ward II in Henderson, which includes the areas of Anthem, Inspirada, and West Henderson. Prior to his Council appointment, Mr. Shaw served as chair of the Clark County Planning Commission, and the Henderson Planning Commission, helping oversee growth and infrastructure around the region. The graduate of Brigham Young University currently serves on the Nevada State College Foundation board of directors and has worked with the Regional Boy Scouts of America.

We appreciate the support of Councilmen Marz and Shaw as well as Councilwoman Schroder who endorsed Marsy’s Law earlier this year with now-retired Mayor Hafen. They stand united with city and county officials, law enforcement, legal experts and advocacy organizations statewide who have voiced their support for Marsy’s Law for Nevada.

Just as the accused have important protected rights, the victims deserve a protected voice, information and consideration during the judicial process.

Marsy’s Law has passed two consecutive sessions of the Nevada Legislature in 2015 and 2017. Voters of Nevada will have the opportunity to vote on the question in November 2018.

Equal Rights for Nevada Crime Victims.  It’s just fair.

#VictimsRightsNV              

SJR 17 would ensure the:

• Right to receive information about the services available to crime victims
• Right to be treated with fairness and respect throughout the criminal justice process
• Right to be protected from the defendant
• Right to notice of all public proceedings in the case
• Right to be reasonably heard, upon request, at all public proceedings regarding the case
• Right to reasonably confer with the prosecuting agency, upon request, regarding the case
• Right to full and timely restitution 

History of Marsy’s Law

The effort is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in California in 1983. A week later he was released pending his court proceedings and went face to face with the victim’s family, who had no idea he was out of jail. Today her brother, Dr. Henry T. Nicholas is working to secure a voice and protection for victims and their families, nationwide. Marsy’s Law measures have already passed in Illinois, California, North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana.

Senate Joint Resolution 17  

SJR 17 was first approved by Nevada state lawmakers in 2015 and again in 2017 as required by Nevada law for a constitutional amendment. The measure will now go to a vote of Nevada residents in 2018 as a ballot question.