The Wisconsin Constitution, article I, section 9m, currently provides that the state shall treat crime victims "with fairness, dignity and respect for their privacy." That provision also mandates that the state ensure that crime victims have certain "privileges and protections" relative to the accused and the criminal case. Separate from these constitutional provisions, chapter 950 of the Wisconsin Statutes provides a "bill of rights" for victims and witnesses of crimes.

The proposed amendment would make five general changes to article I, section 9m, of the Wisconsin Constitution.

First, in 16 subsections, the proposed amendment would expand the rights of victims by creating additional rights and incorporating other statutory rights into the constitution.

Second, the proposed amendment would incorporate into the constitution a definition of "victim" similar to the definition currently in statute.

Third, the proposed amendment would create an additional mechanism by which victims could enforce their rights as victims.

Fourth, the proposed amendment would incorporate into the constitution a limit on governmental liability for any violation of victims' rights, similar to the limit currently provided by statute.

Fifth, the proposed amendment would provide that it may not be interpreted to supersede a defendant's federal constitutional rights or afford party status in a proceeding to any victim.

A "yes" vote on this question would amend the Wisconsin Constitution as summarized above.

A "no" vote on this question would decline to amend the Wisconsin Constitution as summarized above. A "no" vote would not alter existing protections for crime victims.