Last week, as Americans across the country recognized National Crime Victims’ Week, Tennesseans had reason for hope. The Tennessee House of Representatives last month passed legislation I introduced to further protect victims of crimes.
Marsy’s Law ensures something that seems like a no brainer: constitutionally protected rights for crime victims. Victims of crime go through enough trauma, and that trauma should not be extended past the scene of the crime and into the courtroom. The sad truth is it often is, as they currently have less enforceable rights than their abuser.
Marsy’s Law guarantees that victims have clear and enforceable rights outlined in the state Constitution. It would guarantee victims and their families the right to be informed, notified about their rights, notified about proceedings and to be present and heard at these proceedings.
Marsy’s Law is named in memory of Marsalee Nicholas, who was tragically killed by her ex-boyfriend while at the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1983. Her family was not notified that her murderer was released on bail and were confronted by him at the grocery store a week after her death. With Marsy’s Law in place, victims and families would be protected from traumatic incidents like this.
In passing it from the Tennessee House of Representatives, we made great progress in guaranteeing equal rights for Tennessee crime victims this year, but we are just getting started. I am grateful for my friends in the Senate, led by my friend and colleague Senator John Stevens, who are fighting to ensure that Marsy’s Law passes in the Senate next session. At this point, 12 states have passed Marsy’s Law and adopted it into their Constitution. It is my fervent hope that Tennessee becomes the thirteenth.
The victory in the House would not be possible without support from House co-sponsors Reps. Lamberth, Gant, Doggett, Hulsey, Davis, Moody, Sherrell, Hardaway, Jernigan, Tim Hicks, Holsclaw, Butler, Hale, Vaughan, Darby, Crawford, Alexander, McCalmon, Gary Hicks, Greg Martin, Farmer, Bricken, Russell, Zachary, Burkhart, Baum, Boyd, Whitson, Cepicky, White, Marsh, Camper, Cochran, Faison, Williams, Barrett, and Moon.
Countless victims’ advocates, Tennessee Sheriffs Association and the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police were also critical in ensuring House passage. And none of this would be possible without the efforts of survivors and victims' families who have fought for years to ensure victims have a voice. After years of hard work, prayers and community advocacy, we are finally making strides.
I ask my friends to continue the fight, keep pushing, and pray for a victory in the Senate. I guarantee that victims of crime have a supporter in the Tennessee House as long as I am a representative.
Rep. Patsy Hazlewood