Agenda 4-d - Resolution in Support of Better Protections and Safeguards to Victims

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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: March 20, 2018 Action Agenda Item No. 4-d SUBJECT: Resolution in Support of Better Protections and Safeguards to Victims DEPARTMENT: County Manager ATTACHMENT(S): Resolution in Support of Better Protections and Safeguards to Victims INFORMATION CONTACT: Bonnie Hammersley, 245-2300 PURPOSE: To consider a Resolution in Support of Better Protections and Safeguards to Victims. BACKGROUND: At the March 8, 2018 Board meeting, the Board voiced an interest in considering a Resolution in Support of Better Protections and Safeguards to Victims. Commissioner Renee Price drafted the attached resolution According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) recent report, “Crime in the United States”, in 2013, a total of 33,700 North Carolinians were the victims of Violent “Index Crimes” including: murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft and arson. Voters in California passed the Victim’s Bill of Rights Act of 2008, also known as Marsy’s Law, and other states are enacting similar laws to guarantee victims’ rights and provide victims with a voice. House Bill 551/Senate Bill 595, a bill to amend the Law and Constitution of North Carolina, has been introduced in the North Carolina General Assembly in the spirit of Marsy’s Law to provide better protections and safeguards to victims of crimes. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with considering the resolution. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following four Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable to this agenda item: • GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND INEQUITY The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color; religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or 1