Mar 31, 2011

Special Legislative Alert: HB 135 & HB 801

Special Legislative Alert

Earlier this month, the Maryland Crime Victims' Resource Center, Inc. distributed its first quarter newsletter which included a request to contact members of the House of Delegates. Our thanks to those who contacted House legislators. Two of our 2011 legislative priorities have passed the House and are now in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. (JPR) We now need you to contact Senator Frosh and members of JPR as set forth below so that Maryland legislators hear the importance of victims’ rights and compensation.

As Stephanie Roper said – “One Person Can Make A Difference and Every Person Should Try.” Your email, phone call, and fax can make the difference and we need you to urge support of these two bills:

1. House Bill 135 – This bill raised court costs for offenders and uses these funds to assist innocent victims of crimes for the economic impact of crime. Criminal injuries compensation is the payer of last resort if there is no other entity to cover the financial losses to the victim or the victim’s family as a consequence of crime.

2. House Bill 801 – This bill creates enforcement of victims’ rights particularly related to restitution. Under the bill, judges will be required to ensure that victims receive their rights. In addition if a judge denies or fails to consider restitution at a sentencing, a victim may within 30 days after sentencing request that the trial court order restitution.

As the last day of the legislative session is April 11, please contact Senator Frosh to bring the bills for a vote and that he and members of JPR ASAP to urge that HB135 and HB 801 receive a favorably vote. Contact info:

Thank you for your consideration and anticipated action.


Sincerely,

Roberta and Vince Roper, Founders

Staff: Alyssa Andrews, Bridgette Harwood, Dee Gardner, Dina Recor, Ellie Jones, Jani Tillery, Keith Gethers, Kimberly Gunishaw, Kimberly Truitt, Linette Greer-Daise, Matthew Ornstein, Merry O'Brien, Michael Andrews, Pauline Mandel, Russell Butler, Stuart Smith, Terinthia Buckner, and Yang Zhao.


Maryland Crime Victims' Resource Center, Inc. (MCVRC)
1001 Prince Georges Blvd Suite 750
Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
301-952-0063 - phone
240-929-0526 - fax
www.mdcrimevictims.org

mcvrc@mdcrimevictims.org

Please designate MCVRC for:
Maryland Charity Campaign 1212
United Way of Central Maryland 5442
United Way of the National Capital Area 9325

Mar 28, 2011

Ceremony of Remembrance

Please join us for our Annual Ceremony of Remembrance on April 16, 2011.

At this event, survivors of homicide come together to honor their loved ones. The event includes hanging of hearts on the tree of remembrance and a slideshow of pictures sent in by friends and families which honors their loved ones. The ceremony is being held at the Prince George's County Court House on Judge's Drive and is followed by the reception at the Prince George's County Administration Building on Governor Oden Bowie Drive. If you would like to send in a picture of your loved one to be included in the ceremony please send it to kimt@mdcrimevictims.org.

To RSVP please call 301-952-0063.