Nevada voters approve expansion of crime victims’ rights
Nevada voters approved the expansion of crime victims’ rights through the Question 1 ballot measure.
As of 5 a.m. Wednesday, Question 1 had received 61.1 percent of the vote.
The measure, known as “Marsy’s Law,” would modify Nevada’s Constitution with 16 rights for victims, including the right to privacy, notification of all public hearings, the right to full and timely restitution and the right to refuse an interview or deposition request unless under court order.
“Thanks to this victory, victims will soon find the judicial system less confusing and feel more relevant as their case moves through the criminal justice process,” state Sen. Scott Hammond, R-Las Vegas, a supporter of Marsy’s Law, said late Tuesday.
Passage of Question 1 would make the measure law since the Nevada Legislature already approved it in 2015 and 2017.
Broadly endorsed by several public officials, including Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo, Gov. Brian Sandoval and Sens. Dean Heller and Catherine Cortez Masto, the measure was opposed by the American Civil Liberties Union and the Nevada Attorneys for Criminal Justice, which argued that victims already have rights.
California billionaire Henry T. Nichols has helped versions of Marsy’s Law win approval in 23 states and has spent $645,000 since December backing it in Nevada.
This is a breaking news story. Check back here for updates.
Contact Richard N. Velotta at rvelotta@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3893. Follow @RickVelotta on Twitter.