Lawmakers at the state Capitol want to strengthen crime victims’ rights.
Last December, Jeffrey Willis’ blew a kiss to the courtroom as he exited. He left because he refused to listen to the statements of the family members of the woman he had murdered.
Now lawmakers want to make it a requirement that defendants hear victim impact statements.
Jessica Josephson is the sister of Willis’ victim.
“Nobody should have to go through and if we can prevent that, so be it.”
Bill sponsor Holly Hughes says she was inspired by an event that took place in Muskegon County. A man convicted of murdering a young woman was allowed to leave the court room before impact statements were read.
“We want to just make sure that victims’ rights are well above murderers’ rights and so we’re going to move this as fast as we possibly can.”
Republican Representative Lana Theis is a bill sponsor.
“Requiring the victim to publically beg for protection and carry this burden is simply unacceptable. It’s unconscionable that we have created a justice system where the victim is the one who is forced to change schools in order to find protection and safety.”
Critics of the legislation say students should be dealt with on a case-by-case basis
The House also passed a bill that would require defendants listen to impact statements of victims at sentencing.