A constitutional amendment proposing extensive changes to the existing clause in the Idaho Constitution on the rights of crime victims won unanimous support in the Senate this afternoon. SJR 103 still would need two-thirds support in the House and majority support at the next general election to change the state Constitution.

The measure would guarantee crime victims “reasonable and timely” prior notification of all criminal justice proceedings in their case; a right to attend all proceedings, to confer with prosecutors, and to be heard at all proceedings; and “full and timely” restitution for economic losses. The measure would also guarantee victims “reasonable protection from the accused and those acting on behalf of the accused.”

“It simply says that a victim has an opportunity to be heard,” said Sen. Todd Lakey, R-Nampa, the measure’s lead sponsor. “It’s an effort to give crime victims an effective voice in a criminal justice system they wish they’d never been involved in.”

Lakey estimated that there would be additional costs to state and local entities to comply with the changes, but said in the bill’s fiscal note that they would be “very difficult to quantify.”