NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) —Marsy's Law for Tennessee is being postponed for now due to the abbreviated legislative session in response to COVID-19.
The law designed to strengthen the rights of crime victims in Tennessee's State Constitution.
“We are very disappointed, but it became clear that there is simply not enough time to successfully clear all of the steps in both the House and Senate needed for passage this year,” said State Representative Patsy Hazlewood, the prime sponsor of the legislation in the Tennessee House. “But the need is clear. Crime victims are counting on us. We look forward to beginning again when the next legislature convenes in January.”
“This is one of many important issues that will unfortunately have to be delayed for now as the General Assembly works to quickly address important budget items and other COVID-related issues before adjourning for the year,” said Senator John Stevens, the prime sponsor in the Tennessee Senate. “We are grateful to our legislative colleagues, to local law enforcement, and especially to the crime victims and their family members who have underscored the importance of this legislation and protecting victim rights.”
More than 20 years ago, 89% of Tennessee voted to give crime victims the rights they deserve by adopting a Crime Victims' Bill of Rights. However, victims have found these rights to be unenforceable under current law and the rights of victims are not always protected.
Marsy's Law aims to strengthen the rights of crime victims in Tennessee's state constitution. Senate Joint Resolution 885 and House Joint Resolution 822 sought to ensure that victims of crime have equal, constitutional rights on the same level as those accused and convicted of crimes.