ATLANTA – State Representative Timothy Barr (R-Lawrenceville) today announced his support of Marsy’s Law for Georgia, a bill that would grant constitutional rights to crime victims.
“In its current state, our constitution protects criminals and defendants but not the people they hurt,” said Rep. Barr. “Those harmed by crime need protection, and that’s why I support Marsy’s Law. This bill explicitly guarantees certain rights for crime victims and balances Georgia’s scales of justice.”
Marsy’s Law would outline enforceable, fundamental rights for crime victims within Georgia’s constitution. The legislation would ensure that crime victims receive timely notifications of court proceedings, adequate information on legal developments and proper treatment at all times.
The Georgia State Senate passed Marsy’s Law, Senate Resolution 146, during the 2017 legislative session by a vote of 50-4, and will be considered by the House of Representatives during the 2018 legislative session. If the bill is approved in the House by the required two-thirds majority, the fate of Marsy’s Law will lie in the hands of Georgia voters.
“Keeping the citizens of Georgia safe is a top priority for all of our state’s leaders,” added Rep. Barr. “Marsy’s Law seeks to protect our most vulnerable citizens from further harm and gives victims a voice, accompanied by the dignity, compassion and respect they deserve.”
Georgia is one of only 15 states in the country that lacks explicit victim guarantees in its state constitution. Although Georgia does outline victims’ rights in state law, these rights are often unenforceable. Marsy’s Law strengthens the protections already in place.
“Next session, I will work to pass this legislation and get it on the ballot for Georgia voters to decide,” said Rep. Barr. “I urge my colleagues to join me in support of Marsy’s Law.”
Representative Timothy Barr represents the citizens of District 103, which includes portions of Hall and Gwinnett counties. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2012, and currently serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government, Code Revision, Health & Human Services, Motor Vehicles and Natural Resources & Environment committees.
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