SENATE BILL REPORT
SSJR 8228
BYSenate Committee on Law & Justice (originally sponsored by Senators Pullen, Madsen, Zimmerman, Rasmussen and Gaspard; by request of Attorney General)
Proposing a constitutional amendment creating crime victim's rights.
Senate Committee on Law & Justice
Senate Hearing Date(s):February 1, 1988; February 5, 1988
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Joint Resolution No. 8228 be substituted therefor, and the substitute joint resolution do pass.
Signed by Senators Pullen, Chairman; McCaslin, Vice Chairman; Halsan, Madsen, Talmadge.
Senate Staff:Jeanne Cushman Scott (786-7461)
February 15, 1988
AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 13, 1988
BACKGROUND:
There is a perception that the public has lost confidence in the criminal justice system. Many crime victims and witnesses express regret at having become involved in the criminal justice system because they perceive that the system gives greater protection to the rights of the defendant than the victim or witness. A means of encouraging victims and witnesses to cooperate in the prosecution of crime is sought.
SUMMARY:
At the next general election held in this state there shall be submitted to the voters an amendment to Article I of the Constitution of the State of Washington which would add a new section which enumerates the rights of crime victims. Included is the right to be informed of, to be present at, and to be heard at all criminal judicial proceedings at which the defendant has such rights, subject to the same rules of procedure which govern the defendant's rights.
The constitutional amendment provision shall not provide a basis for an appeal of a criminal conviction by a defendant.
Appropriation: none
Revenue: none
Fiscal Note: available
Senate Committee - Testified: Attorney General Ken Eikenberry; Linda Barker, Director of Program Services, Sunny von Beulow National Victims Advocacy Center; Dan Eddy, National Association of Attorneys General; Larry Fehr, Washington Council on Crime and Delinquency; Mike Redman, WAPA