SB679 Summary

• Proposes a constitutional amendment to Article I of the Hawaii State Constitution to establish specific rights for crime victims and surviving immediate family members, known as "Marsy's Law"

• Grants victims 13 enumerated rights including courteous treatment, protection from threats, timely notification of proceedings, right to be present at court, opportunity to be heard at plea and sentencing, notification of offender release, and full restitution

• Establishes enforcement mechanisms allowing victims, their representatives, and the state attorney to assert these rights in circuit or appellate courts as a matter of right, with courts required to act promptly

• Clarifies that victim rights do not supersede offender constitutional rights and that the state and counties cannot be sued for violations of this section

• Requires voter approval through constitutional referendum with specific ballot language describing the victim rights to be established