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Senators, Representatives and Judge Join Advocates as Marsy’s Law Jefferson County Chairs

Prominent local voices support constitutional rights for crime victims

Louisville, Ky. (July 25, 2017) – Marsy’s Law is honored to announce the large appointment of 13 prominent Jefferson County chairs to help guide the crime victims’ rights campaign to success in 2018. State Sen. Julie Raque Adams, State Sen. Morgan McGarvey, (Ret.) Judge Jerry Bowles, State Rep. Kevin Bratcher, State Rep. Joni Jenkins, State Rep. Reggie Meeks, State Rep. Jerry Miller, State Rep. Steve Riggs, LMPD SVU Detective Nicole Carroll, Mary Byron Project Executive Director Marcia Roth, Family and Children’s Place CEO Pam Darnall and Marsy’s Law Advocate Tamara Reif. 

“As Senator, I have supported Marsy’s Law from the beginning and was thrilled to join my colleagues and constituents in representing Jefferson County as a county chair,” State Sen. Julie Raque Adams said. “We must pass Marsy’s Law in 2018. Our crime victims deserve the same level of respect and protection that our law affords the accused and convicted.” 

Kentucky is one of only 15 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. 

“It is an honor to serve alongside my fellow elected officials and advocates from our region who will drive support from Jefferson County and lend our voices to ensure crimes victims are protected by the judicial system,” State Rep. Joni Jenkins said. “I know the passion our community holds for ensuring the rights of crime victims which is why I strongly support Marsy’s Law.”

Marsy’s Law for Kentucky has the bipartisan 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.

“I am excited to grow support in Jefferson county, to add to the more than 25,000 Kentuckians that urge lawmakers to pass Marsy’s Law in 2018,” Mary Byron Project Executive Director Marcia Roth said. “I see daily how our victims feel abandoned and confused by a complicated judicial system. I know the residents of Jefferson County want their voices heard and want equal rights for victims of crime.”

Marsy’s Law for Kentucky will continue launching leadership teams in counties across the commonwealth and is adding more advocates and supporters to our growing organization all the time.

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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 15 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.