Assembly approves amendment that would provide crime victims with host of rights

MADISON — A constitutional amendment designed to give crime victims more rights has passed the Wisconsin Legislature.

The measure must pass the Legislature again next session before it goes to voters for approval. It would be added to the Wisconsin Constitution only if voters approve it.

The amendment largely duplicates existing crime victim protections but goes further in several areas.

In addition to privacy, victims would have the right to be heard at plea, parole and revocation proceedings, the right to refuse defense attorneys' interview, deposition or discovery requests and the right to attend all proceedings in their cases.

The Assembly passed it Thursday on a bipartisan 81-10 vote. It cleared the Senate on Tuesday.

The soonest it could be on the ballot for voter approval is 2019.