FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARSY’S LAW, OKLAHOMA VICTIM’S RIGHTS LEGISLATION, PASSES THROUGH SENATE COMMITTEE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

HJR 1002, SJR 46 Elevate Victims’ Rights to an Equal Level of the Rights Afforded Accused, Convicted

OKLAHOMA CITY – SJR 46, also known as Marsy’s Law for Oklahoma, authored by Sen. Anthony Sykes, R-Moore, was passed 11-1 by the Senate Rules Committee this morning.    

HJR 1002, also known as Marsy’s Law, authored by Rep. Scott Biggs, R-Chickasha, on Tuesday passed nearly unanimously, 90-5, by the Oklahoma House of Representatives. These important measures will ensure crime victims receive equal treatment under the law to those accused or convicted in their crimes. This bipartisan support caps a momentous week for the cause of enhancing the rights of crime victims in Oklahoma. 

“Oklahomans deserve the right to have their voices heard should they find themselves immediately, and unwillingly, thrown into the processes of the criminal justice system,” said Rep. Biggs. “The swift passage of HJR 1002 through a favorable House Floor vote is a reassuring nod in the direction of securing elevated, constitutional rights for victims and their families in the state of Oklahoma.”

Victims, family members of victims and advocates for victims’ rights causes gathered at the Capitol for the House Floor hearing on Tuesday morning as HJR 1002 was heard in front of the full membership, with Biggs expertly fielding many questions in advance of the decision.

OK DISTRICT ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION STATEMENT ON MARSY’S LAW:

The passage of HJR 1002 through the House of Representatives, with a 90-5 vote, is an incredible step in the right direction for leveling the playing field for victims of crime in our state. Marsy’s Law for Oklahoma has garnered bipartisan support throughout the legislative process thus far and the favorable stance today is telling of the understood need for constitutionally enforced rights for Oklahomans who in the future will find themselves in need of equal, respective protections, as currently afforded to defendants. The District Attorneys Association feels strongly that Marsy’s Law will only elevate the rights of victims, with no intentions of diminishing the rights of the accused, and we look forward to following the bill through the rest of the 2017 session.

OTHER ENDORSEMENTS

To date, Marsy’s Law for Oklahoma is endorsed by the District Attorneys Association, Oklahoma City Fraternal Order of Police, YWCA Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault. 

ABOUT MARSY’S LAW

Under the Marsy’s Law for Oklahoma constitutional amendment, crime victims will have the right to notification of all proceedings, as well as be guaranteed the right to be heard at every step of their case in the criminal justice process. Victims will also have the right to have input on all plea deals for offenders, as well as the right to restitution resulting from the financial impact of the crime, and would also receive a Marsy’s Card, fully listing all of the designated rights, upon first interaction with law enforcement. 

Five states have already passed Marsy’s Law legislation, which is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas of California who was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983.

Additional Information

Marsy’s Law for Oklahoma can be found on Facebook and Twitter at:

@MarsysLawforOK

#ML4OK

Supporters and victims interested in sharing their stories can email [email protected].

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