Crime Victims and Advocates Push “Marsy’s Law” Implementation Bill During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

Victims of crime and advocates will join Marsy’s Law for Oklahoma on Wednesday, April 10, at the Oklahoma State Capitol to voice support for fully implementing the state’s new Constitutional rights for victims. Their visit coincides with National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), which occurs April 7-13.

The passage of State Question 794 – also called “Marsy’s Law” – in November, 2018, created a new set of Constitutional protections and rights for victims of crime. House Bill 1102, by Sen. Julie Daniels and Rep. Mike Osburn, outlines a plan for fully implementing Marsy’s Law. It clarifies, for instance, that a Constitutional “right to be informed” requires district attorneys to inform victims of their rights, including the right to be present and heard at any proceeding involving the release, plea, sentencing, disposition or parole of an accused criminal. Sen. Julie Daniels will join advocates and victims at the Oklahoma State Capitol, where she will discuss the legislation and be recognized by the group with a “Victims’ Rights Champion” award. More information on HB 1102 and the implementation of Marsy’s Law is available here. 

Immediately following the luncheon, the group will attend a service hosted by the District Attorney’s Council commemorating NCVRW. The NCVRW service will take place at 1:30 PM at the Oklahoma Judicial Center, 2100 N Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73105.

In the evening, the Crystal Bridge at the Myriad Gardens and the Skydance Bridge off I-40, both in Oklahoma City, will be lit purple in recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and Marsy’s Law for Oklahoma on the evening of April 10.

Since 1981, NCVRW is held every April to promote laws, policies, and programs to help victims of crime, as well as educate citizens about victimization and the effect it has on individuals, families, friends and the community.