BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - A California businessman has put roughly $2.5 million so far into a North Dakota ballot measure that would incorporate victims’ rights provisions into the state constitution.
Campaign finance reports filed Friday show that billionaire Henry Nicholas donated about $2 million to the Marsy’s Law campaign through Sept. 29. That’s on top of the nearly $500,000 he donated in 2015.
Opponents have raised $10,000.
The law is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas, who was killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. Her brother, Henry Nicholas, is bankrolling an effort to expand it into more states, including both Dakotas.
Nicholas has put roughly $800,000 toward the South Dakota campaign.
Supporters say the plan would elevate victims’ rights to ensure they have protections similar to criminal defendants. Opponents argue it would bog down the system for victims.
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