Idaho Victim Protection Act
Will Offer Real Protection For Victims
by Representative Heather Scott
Recently, Idaho legislators and citizens have been lobbied hard by a narrowly focused out-of-state group, to change to the Idaho State Constitution concerning victims’ rights. The proposed change, called “Marsy’s Law”, originated from a California billionaire. The attempt to push this legislation through during the final few weeks of last year’s session failed, and this year the group has returned with renewed efforts. Legislators expect to see a similar draft again this year.
Millions of dollars are being pumped into Idaho for this endeavor and the group is resorting to displaying the accompanying photo to bully those legislators who have expressed concerns with the language from last year. There are usually lots of attempts to spread mis-information during an election year, and it is an election year.
The marketing tactics of this group are disturbing! Playing on citizens emotions and not providing factual information about the pros and cons of the wording of the law should make us all question what the true agenda may be.
While the language in this year’s attempted legislation has not been publicly released, last year’s proposed legislation would have made a constitutional change allowing government to grant victim rights and potentially give corporations and businesses victim rights status. Idahoans should know that all rights come from God-not government!
The South Dakota legislature, one of six states to pass the amendment last year, is now attempting to repeal the constitutional change because of unintended consequences now coming to light.
While I believe most legislators would strongly support the individual rights of victims and would be willing to strengthen existing victim status in our current code, I believe allowing government to define rights goes too far.
That is why I and other conservative legislators have joined together and are planning to release an alternative bill this week which will clearly define how government should treat victims instead of letting government grant rights to victims. The Idaho version of this alternative proposed legislation is called the Idaho Victim Protection Act.
This language will offer real protection for victims without trampling the rights of individuals and advancing progressive centralized government agendas. It is written by Idahoans who want real pertinent laws providing victims’ rights and proper treatment of victims throughout the judicial process.
Please watch for the release of this legislation next week and join us in supporting honest and fair victim protection legislation here in Idaho.
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Great Job Rep. Scott! Keep up the great work. North Idaho stands wiht you. We are not fooled by the Rhino in Keogh clothing running against you nor by the vocal minority living in Sandpointestan. Common sense and conservatism goes hand in hand.