Governor Kim Reynolds is calling on legislators to set Iowa on a path to letting voters decide if a victims’ rights amendment should be added to the state constitution.

 

Linda Chapman’s daughter, 25-year-old Nikki of Dubuque, was killed by a drunk driver near Peosta nearly 14 years ago.

Chapman says being “thrown into”a court system she and her family didn’t understand made the situation worse.  Chapman has since become a victim advocate.

 

Legislators who back the amendment say they’re working on adjusting the proposed language, to address SOME of the concerns raised during public hearings last week. Groups representing victims opposed the measure, arguing it will divert resources to the court system that could be used to help victims. If the proposed victims’ rights amendment is endorsed by the Iowa House and Senate THIS year and then again sometime in the following two years, it could be submitted for voter approval in the 2020 election.