MARSY’S LAW HONORED TO NAME SEN. STEVE WEST AND REP. JOHN SIMS AS TRI-COUNTY CAMPAIGN CHAIRS

Sen. West and Rep. Sims Co-Chair Fleming, Mason and Robertson Counties for Crime Victims’ Rights Campaign

Maysville, Ky. (December 5, 2017) – Marsy’s Law for Kentucky is honored to announce the appointment of State Senator Steve West and State Representative John Sims who will serve as campaign co-chairs to help guide the crime victims’ rights campaign to success in 2018. Sen. West and Rep. Sims will join Maysville Women’s Crisis Center Executive Director Melissa Greenwell to lead Fleming, Mason and Robertson Counties in the campaign. 

“It’s an honor to join Rep. Sims and Melissa Greenwell as we bring the collective voices of Fleming, Mason and Robertson Counties to Frankfort to support equal rights for crime victims,” Sen. West said. “It’s time we give crime victims the same level of protection and rights as the accused.”

Kentucky is one of only 14 states without constitutional-level rights for victims of crime. If adopted by Kentucky voters in November 2018, Marsy’s Law would amend Kentucky’s constitution to ensure crime victims have the right to a voice in the judicial process, the right to be present in judicial hearings and the right to be made aware of upcoming hearings or changes in their offenders’ status.

“I know Kentuckians want to provide victims with commonsense rights like the right to be present in hearings and the right to have a voice in the judicial process,” Rep. Sims said. “Marsy’s Law must pass in 2018 and I am proud to lead my hometown in bringing this important legislation into law.” 

Marsy’s Law for Kentucky has the bi-partisan support of elected officials, judges, law enforcement officials and advocacy groups. Kentucky voters also strongly favor Marsy’s Law, with recent surveys showing Marsy’s law has 80% support statewide. Marsy’s Law is expected to be a priority bill for both chambers in the 2018 General Assembly.

“Sen. West and Rep. Sims’ willingness to lend their support to raise awareness of Marsy’s Law is needed and greatly appreciated,” Marsy’s Law State Director Ashlea Christiansen said. “We know Kentuckians want the opportunity to vote for Marsy’s Law on the November 2018 ballot.” 

More than 27,000 Kentuckians have pledged their support for Marsy’s Law.

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About Marsy’s Law for Kentucky

Marsy’s Law for Kentucky is an advocate-driven effort to incorporate a victims’ bill of rights in the state constitution. Kentucky is one of only 14 states that do not provide crime victims with constitutional-level protections. To learn more or if you would like to sign the petition and add your “purple pin” to the map, you can do so here. Those wishing to join the coalition can do so here. Please visit www.marsyslaw.us, follow us on Facebook or Twitter.