SENATE BILL REPORT

SJM 8000

BYSenators Madsen, Niemi, Talmadge, Pullen, McCaslin, Nelson, Thorsness, Rinehart and Johnson; by request of Attorney General

Relating to a resolution to the President for a constitutional amendment for victims' rights.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 18, 1989; January 23, 1989

Majority Report:     Do pass.

     Signed by Senators Pullen, Chairman; Madsen, Nelson, Newhouse, Niemi, Rasmussen, Rinehart, Talmadge, Thorsness.

Senate Staff:Richard Rodger (786-7461)

                February 7, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 6, 1989

BACKGROUND:

There is a belief that the current criminal justice system does not provide crime victims with sufficient rights or adequate information.  It is suggested that a federal constitutional amendment be added to provide defined rights to victims of crime.

SUMMARY:

A Joint Senate Memorial is proposed requesting Congress to amend the Constitution of the United States of America to establish rights for crime victims.  The proposed amendment provides the victim or the victim's representative with the right to notice of all judicial proceedings and allows them to be present and testify at those proceedings.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    none requested

Senate Committee - Testified:   No one