A legislative committee has voted to wait until next year to act on a bill designed to give victims of violent crimes the same legal standing as those accused of committing them.
The so-called victims bill of rights aims to enshrine in Maine's Constitution many victims rights already codified in state law.
The bill had early momentum, backed by high-powered lobbyists and endorsed by legislative leaders. But lawmakers had reservations about the costs and effects on the judicial system.
The proposal is pushed by Marsy's Law for All, a national group founded and financed by California billionaire Henry Nicholas. Nicholas has spent over $16 million creating victims bills of rights in the states.
But several states that have passed such laws have encountered unanticipated financial costs.
The Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee voted Monday to carry over the bill until next session. That outcome still requires a full vote by the Legislature.
Chris Quint, the state director for Marsy's Law for Maine, said in a prepared statement that the group is grateful for the additional time to work on the proposal and hopes to build on its bipartisan support.
