Victims’ rights bill moves ahead

Lawmakers on Friday approved advancing a proposed amendment to Idaho’s constitution that would give crime victims and their families the same rights as those charged with the crime.

The proposal struck an emotional chord among legislative leaders on the Senate State Affairs Committee who sent it to the Senate floor after a teary two-hour committee hearing.

Victims of crimes and other advocates urged lawmakers to overhaul the Victim Rights Amendment, which was ratified in 1994. The amendment details rights for victims. However, advocates of the change say it doesn’t do enough and need to be updated.

The proposed amendment would require that victims be notified of all court proceedings and be heard at each step along the way. It also would declare that full and timely restitution is a right/ Kimberlee Kruesi , AP. More here .