A proposed amendment to the Arkansas Constitution seeks to establish a Bill of Rights for individuals affected by violent or sexual crimes. House Joint Resolution 1021, if passed, would create a Victim’s Bill of Rights amendment.
This proposed amendment would require that crime victims be treated with fairness and respect, including being informed, upon request, of their assailant’s court appearances or potential release. It would also grant victims the right to testify against their assailants and ensure the protection of their personal information. Additionally, the amendment guarantees victims the right to a speedy trial.
Having already received its initial reading on the House floor, the resolution is set to be reviewed by the House State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee. Like all proposed constitutional amendments, if the resolution passes the legislature, it will be presented to voters before it can become law.
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