HELENA (AP) – The state Board of Canvassers has certified the passage of a constitutional initiative that establishes certain rights for crime victims.
Secretary of State Linda McCulloch said Monday, per a Supreme Court injunction issued Friday, she did not certify an effective date for Constitutional Initiative 116, also known as Marsy’s Law.
Language in the voter information pamphlet indicated the amendment would take effect immediately upon passage, but city and county governments argue that was a misinterpretation of the initiative.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Montana along with organizations representing city and county governments asked the Supreme Court Friday to hear arguments on the effective date. The governments say they need time and money to meet the requirements of the new amendment.
The court gave the state 14 days to file its response.
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