Marsy's Law Asks Governor to Protect Victims Funds
Nevada, June 12, 2020 - The COVID-19 pandemic is forcing cities, counties, and states across America to make difficult choices due to steep declines in revenue from the “stay at home” precautions and closures.
Here in Nevada, the fiscal year 2020 budget shortfall is estimated at nearly $812 million dollars. To reduce losses Governor Steve Sisolak is proposing budget cuts across the board including some one-time appropriations in 2019. Among the proposed cuts is the $10 million dollars allocated by Governor Sisolak within AB 516 which provides funds for the unanticipated costs related to the implementation of Marsy’s Law for Nevada, approved by voters in November of 2018.
Marsy’s Law for Nevada provides a constitutionally guaranteed voice, information, and consideration for victims of crime including domestic violence here in Nevada. Sadly, the safety precautions of COVID have created more dangerous scenarios for many people. “While we understand the tough choices facing Governor Sisolak during these difficult times, we urge him and all state leaders to remember that the people of Nevada have spoken clearly about the need for Marsy’s Law,” said Marsy’s Law for Nevada Executive Director Lynda Tache. “The pandemic has only increased the danger and anxiety crime victims face. Now is not the time to waver in our commitment to them. Reverting the $10 million dollars set aside by Governor Sisolak for offices to implement the law could further endanger victims.”
June 26th Fundraiser
A fundraiser for Nevada domestic violence shelters will be hosted by the Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, and the Division of Child and Family Services. The “Say I DO Nevada” campaign will be held on June 26th online. Hundreds of thousands of dollars were lost when Nevada’s Marriage License Bureau offices were closed due to COVID-19. A portion of every marriage license includes funding for Nevada domestic violence shelters and advocacy efforts. Revenues from the June 26th fundraiser will be divided among shelters and assistance organizations across Nevada. Visit NCEDSV.org/IDoNV to find a list of Nevada domestic violence providers and information on how to make donations.
NV ADVOCACY RESOURCES
Information about resources available and concerns as a result of COVID-19 will be the focus of an informational effort by Marsy’s Law for Nevada in June, July, and August on our social media pages. A statewide list of RESOURCES and assistance organizations can be found on the Mary’s Law for NV website in the RESOURCES drop-down tab.
Marsy’s Law for Nevada Guarantees Crime Victims:
- The Right to receive information about their rights, and the services available to crime victims.
- Right to be treated with fairness and respect throughout the criminal justice process.
- Right to be notified of a defendant’s impending release, and be protected from the defendant.
- Right to notice of all public proceedings in the case.
- Right to be reasonably heard, upon request, at all public proceedings regarding the case.
- Right to reasonably confer with the prosecuting agency, upon request, regarding the case.
- Right to full and timely restitution.
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History of Marsy’s Law
The effort is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in California in 1983. A week later he was released pending his court proceedings and went face to face with the victim’s family, who had no idea he was out of jail. Today her family is working to secure a voice and protection for victims and their families, nationwide. Individual Marsy’s Law measures have now been approved in twelve states: California, Illinois, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Nevada. Nearly 140-million people, or 40-percent of all Americans, now receive protected rights under Marsy’s Law.
Marsy’s Law Media Contacts
Deborah Clayton & Kim Schofield
702-528-7940 DC / 702-528-4199 KS
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