South Dakota is 1st state to approve “Marsy’s Law” changes

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Voters have approved changes to South Dakota’s version of the “Marsy’s Law” victims’ bill of rights in order to ease the burden on law enforcement and prosecutors.

The amendment approved Tuesday requires victims to opt in to many of their rights and specifically lets authorities share information with the public to help solve crimes.

It makes South Dakota the first state to change its version of the law, though Montana’s high court tossed it out in that state.

Officials in several states say Marsy’s Law has had unintended consequences since taking effect, including causing problems for authorities and increasing costs for counties.

South Dakota’s House speaker initially proposed getting rid of the amendment, but instead reached a deal with the Marsy’s Law campaign on the constitutional changes.