The Montana Department of Justice announced Tuesday a new webpage to assist local law enforcement and county prosecutors with Marsy’s Law implementation and compliance, as well as provide victims and victim advocates with information and resources about the new law.
“Our Marsy’s Law webpage is a one-stop shop for victims, victim advocates, law enforcement, prosecutors and anyone else interested in how the law works,” said Montana Attorney General Tim Fox. “We want to assist local law enforcement and prosecutors with Mary’s Law implementation to the best of our ability, and this webpage will be a fantastic resource to better ensure compliance.”
The webpage is one of multiple efforts by the attorney general’s office to assist with compliance. Other efforts included facilitating legislative efforts (HB600), training at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy, and speaking engagements to educate and raise awareness.
The webpage includes:
- A model “Marsy’s Card” that law enforcement and prosecutors can provide to victims. The card includes: The nineteen rights amended into Montana’s Constitution through CI-116 (required to be on the card); contact information for the responding law enforcement agency; contact information for the victim; and victim advocacy resource information;
- Maps that provide locations and contact information for country prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, county courts, and victim advocacy and resource centers across Montana.
In addition to assisting with Marsy’s Law implementation, the new webpage also fulfills requirements that certain information be made available.
Article II Section 36 sub (1)
(r) to be informed of the above rights and to be informed that the victim may seek the advice and assistance of an attorney with respect to the above rights. This information must be made available to the general public and provided to all crime victims on what is referred to as a Marsy's card.
HB 600 (Rep. Frank Garner), passed by the 2017 Montana Legislature, directed the attorney general’s office to develop a model “Marsy’s Card,” and make the card available to local law enforcement and prosecutors. The card serves as an example, providing general guidance to law enforcement and prosecutors as they develop a card for their own jurisdiction.
You can view the webpage at: https://dojmt.gov/marsys-law/
About Marsy’s Law
Constitutional Initiative 116 (CI-116) also known as “Marsy’s Law” was passed by Montana voters in 2016. The initiative amended Article II, Section 36 of Montana’s Constitution to include nineteen constitutional rights that make up a “victims’ bill of rights.”