ATLANTA – State Representative Scott Holcomb (D-Atlanta) today endorsed Marsy’s Law for Georgia and called on voters to join him this November in supporting Marsy’s Law for Georgia. Marsy’s Law for Georgia, or Senate Resolution 146, will give victims constitutional rights to be notified of judicial proceedings and bail or parole hearings, the right to be heard in court if they wish and the standing to seek a judicial remedy if their rights are not carried out.
“I’m a former prosecutor, and I can tell you that we can do a better job of including victims during the criminal justice process, and Marsy’s Law will allow victims to be notified whenever anything important happens in the case,” said Rep. Holcomb. “I think it’s a common sense measure. If a defendant is appearing in court, victims will be notified. If an accused is going to be released, victims will be notified. If a suspect is arrested, victims will be notified.”
Marsy’s Law for Georgia unanimously passed in both chambers of the Georgia General Assembly during the 2018 session, securing the two-thirds majority vote needed in order to be placed on the ballot this November, where it will appear as Amendment No. 4. Marsy’s Law for Georgia will become part of the state constitution if it passes with a simple majority during the General Election.
“I’m passionate about this issue because, as a former prosecutor, I worked with victims, and what struck me during that time was that victims did not have rights through the criminal justice process,” added Rep. Holcomb. “No one ever plans on becoming a victim, but if you do, you’ll want Marsy’s Law in force.”
Georgia is one of only 14 states that does not have constitutional rights for crime victims. Of those states, Oklahoma, Wisconsin and Nevada voters will join Georgians in voting on Marsy’s Law this November.
For more information on SR 146, please click here.
Representative Scott Holcomb represents the citizens of District 81, which includes portions of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Higher Education, Juvenile Justice, Judiciary and Public Safety & Homeland Security committees.
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