Crime victims’ group pursuing constitutional ammendment

A group announced plans Tuesday to pursue a constitutional amendment requiring notifications for victims of all legal proceedings involving the perpetrators of their crimes. Marsy’s Law for Ohio also would ensure victims’ input into plea deals, notifications of defendants’ releases from prison, and the right to financial restitution for losses caused by criminal acts. Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center Executive Director Cathy Harper Lee, who is among supporters of the effort, said the proposed constitutional changes would “clearly articulate… that victims may assert their rights” and be “treated with fairness, dignity and respect.” Backers of the proposal planned to submit their initial paperwork to the attorney general Tuesday afternoon. Pending approvals from that office and th e state ballot board, the group would have to collect more than 305,000 signatures from registered Ohio voters by early July in order to qualify for the general election.