Amendment H pits outside money versus a South Dakota tradition

Voters to decide if Marsy’s Law should be added to the state constitution

South Dakota voters will decide in November whether to add Marsy’s Law to the state constitution. The proposed amendment would give crime victims new rights, including the right to be notified of all court proceedings and the right to be heard at sentencing.

Marsy’s Law is named after Marsy Nicholas, a California college student who was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. Marsy’s mother, Mary Lyon, has been a leading advocate for the law, which has been passed in 34 states.

Supporters of Amendment H say it will give crime victims a stronger voice in the criminal justice system. They say it will also help to protect victims from intimidation and harassment.

Opponents of the amendment say it is unnecessary because victims already have rights under the law. They also say it could lead to frivolous lawsuits and make it more difficult to prosecute criminals.

The debate over Amendment H has been heated, with both sides spending millions of dollars on advertising. A recent poll shows that the amendment is supported by a narrow margin.

Outside money pours into South Dakota

The race for Amendment H has attracted a lot of outside money. According to the South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office, more than $10 million has been spent on the campaign so far.

The majority of the outside money has come from national organizations. The biggest spender is the National Crime Victims’ Rights Institute, which has spent more than $2 million to support the amendment.

Opponents of the amendment have also received outside money, but to a lesser extent. The South Dakota Farm Bureau has spent more than $1 million to oppose the amendment.

A South Dakota tradition

South Dakota has a long tradition of supporting victims’ rights. The state was one of the first to pass a victims’ rights law in 1982.

The current victims’ rights law gives victims the right to be notified of all court proceedings, the right to be heard at sentencing, and the right to restitution.

Amendment H would add new rights to the state constitution, including the right to a speedy trial, the right to an attorney, and the right to be free from discrimination.

Voters to decide

South Dakota voters will decide the fate of Amendment H on November 8. The amendment needs a simple majority to pass.

The outcome of the vote is uncertain. A recent poll shows that the amendment is supported by a narrow margin.

The debate over Amendment H is likely to continue until Election Day.