ATLANTA – Georgia House Democratic Leader Bob Trammell (D-Luthersville) today endorsed Marsy’s Law for Georgia and encouraged voters to vote ‘yes’ to put crime victims’ rights into the state constitution. Marsy’s Law for Georgia, or Senate Resolution 146, will give victims constitutional rights to be notified of judicial proceedings and bail or parole hearings, the right to be heard in court if they wish and the standing to seek a judicial remedy if their rights are not carried out.
“The constitution houses our most sacred rights and provides the highest protection available under the law,” said Rep. Trammell. “In our criminal justice system today, the accused and convicted receive constitutional rights, but the people harmed by crime do not. This is about providing equal rights, nothing more, nothing less. I voted ‘yes’ to this measure in the House, and I’ll vote ‘yes’ on my ballot. I encourage my fellow Georgians to join me.”
Marsy’s Law for Georgia unanimously passed in both chambers of the Georgia General Assembly during the 2018 session, securing the two-thirds majority vote needed in order to be placed on the ballot this November. Marsy’s Law for Georgia will become part of the state constitution if it passes with a simple majority during the General Election.
Georgia is one of only 14 states that does not have constitutional rights for crime victims. Of those states, Oklahoma, Wisconsin and Nevada voters will join Georgians in voting on Marsy’s Law this November.
“Georgia has experienced tremendous progress in criminal justice reform in recent years, and I’m proud to have supported those efforts,” added Rep. Trammell. “Criminal justice reforms are getting better results for our communities and for taxpayers because it is making the process fairer. Marsy’s Law builds on that work by making sure victims have a voice in the judicial process and that they are treated with dignity and respect. That’s something we can all get behind.”
Representative Bob Trammell Jr. represents the citizens of District 132, which includes portions of Coweta, Meriwether and Troup counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2014 and currently serves as House Minority Leader. He also serves on the Ethics, Governmental Affairs, Information and Audits, Judiciary Non-Civil, Motor Vehicles, Rules and Ways and Means committees.
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