The Idaho Fraternal Order of Police is throwing their support behind Marsy's Law legislation to be introduced during the 2018 session.
Marsy's Law seeks to amend the state constitution to expand protections for the victims of crime.
Sen. Todd Lakey, R-Nampa, will be sponsoring a resolution supporting Marsy’s Law in the 2018 Legislature.
The amendment is likely to include language outlining rights for victims such as reasonable and timely prior notification of proceedings concerning their case. Likewise, victims are to be given timely restitution and reasonable protection from the accused and those acting on behalf of the accused.
A spokesperson for the Idaho Fraternal Order of Police says, as first responders to the scene of a crime, they believe victims are to be treated with respect throughout the entire legal process.
"It's really important for us to know that those victims are being treated fairly and that they have a voice, and, maybe, being a part of the process gives them some closure and healing," Idaho Fraternal Order of Police Legislative Chair Paul Jagosh said.
During the 2017 legislative session, the Marsy's Law bill passed unanimously in the Senate but did not make it out of the House.
Marsy's Law is named after Marsalee "Marsy" Ann Nicholas, a University of California Santa Barbara student who was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983,
