SJR 2

Explanation of Proposal

This proposed constitutional amendment, to be given second consideration by

the 2019 legislature for submittal to the voters in April 2019, was first considered by

the

2017

legislature in 2017 Senate Joint Resolution 53, which became

2017

Enrolled Joint Resolution

13

.

The amendment provides the following rights to victims of crime in this state:

1. To be treated with dignity, respect, courtesy, sensitivity, and fairness.

2. To privacy.

3. To proceedings free from unreasonable delay.

4. To timely disposition of the case, free from unreasonable delay.

5. To attend all proceedings involving the case.

6. To reasonable protection from the accused throughout the criminal and

juvenile justice process.

7. To reasonable and timely notification of proceedings.

8. To confer with the attorney for the government.

9. To be heard in any proceeding during which a right of the victim is

implicated.

10.

To have information submitted to and considered by the authority with

jurisdiction over the case pertaining to the economic, physical, and psychological

effect of the offense upon the victim.

11. To timely notice of any release, escape, or death of the accused.

12. To refuse an interview, deposition, or other discovery request made by the

accused or any person acting on behalf of the accused.

13. To full restitution from any person ordered to pay restitution to the victim

and to be provided with assistance collecting restitution.

14. To compensation, as provided by law.

15. T

o reasonable and timely information about the status of the investigation

and the outcome of the case.

16. To timely notice about all rights granted under this constitutional

amendment and all other rights, privileges, or protections of the victim provided by

law, including how such rights, privileges, or protections are enforced.

Currently, the constitution requires the state to ensure that crime victims be

afforded certain privileges and protections, as provided by law, some of which are