Legislature OKs victims’ rights laws
By JEFF STITT
jstitt@yourmvi.com
Lawmakers in Harrisburg gave final approval to a bipartisan package of bills this week that will better ensure the rights of crime victims and provide stronger protections for victims of violent offenses, according to Senator Camera Bartolotta, R- Carroll Township, who supported the package.
The Senate unanimously approved House Bill 276, also known as Marsy’s Law, which would amend the state Constitution to include a crime victims’ bill of rights.
The bill would ensure crime victims have a constitutional right to notices of hearings and other proceedings, protection from the accused, notice of release or escape, full and timely restitution and other protections to help balance the rights of victims with the rights of criminals.
The Senate and House each passed Marsy’s Law during the previous legislative session. Because the bill would amend the state Constitution, it must be passed in two consecutive legislative sessions and then approved by voters in order to take effect.
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