Final piece of victim’s rights legislation passed by Senate

March 04, 2009

SENATE MAJORITY OFFICE
Oregon State Legislature

NEWS RELEASE: March 4, 2009
CONTACT: Molly Woon, (503) 986-1074, molly.woon@state.or.us

Final piece of victim’s rights legislation passed by Senate
Approval of legislation will make Oregon worldwide leader in victim’s rights

SALEM – The Senate passed legislation this morning that fulfills the will of Oregon voters by outlining the legal process crime victims should follow to exercise their constitutional rights. Measures 51 and 52, approved by Oregon voters in May of 2008, amended the state constitution to specify rights and processes for crime victims. The legislation approved today, SB 233, sets the statutory framework for these rights to be enforced and protected.

“This legislation completes the framework for victims to seek redress when they believe their constitutional rights have been violated,” said Senator Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene), chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “Oregonians have repeatedly demonstrated their commitment to protecting the rights of crime victims. The legislation we passed today honors that commitment.”

Prozanski referenced the overwhelming support for Measures 51 and 52 on the ballot last May. Both measures address crime victims’ ability to exercise their constitutional rights. Measure 51 specifically deals with participation in prosecutions or juvenile delinquency proceedings. Measure 52 addresses protection from offenders. Oregon voters originally approved protecting victims’ rights in the constitution in 1997.

In his testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee in early February, John H. Stein, Executive Secretary of the International Organization for Victim Assistance, said that when the Oregon Legislature passes SB 233 it will “put in place the most effective set of tools to give victims their due in any justice system in their world. It will place Oregon as the preeminent leader of the worldwide movement.”

“The overwhelming support of Oregonians for victims’ rights has been demonstrated on the ballot. To put the mechanics of these rights into law is the final step,” said Senate Majority Leader Richard Devlin (D-Tualatin). “I’m pleased to see the legislature take care of this today.”
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