It will be up to voters this November whether to adopt a victims' rights constitutional amendment, thanks to legislation signed by Gov. Nathan Deal Tuesday.

If voters approve it, “Marsy's Law for Georgia” will create constitutional rights for crime victims. The measure is part of a national movement to allow information and access to court appearances for victims and their families. It was named for Marsy Nicholas, a University of California student who was stalked and murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 1989, according to the Marsy's Law website. A few days later, after visiting her grave, her parents were confronted by her killer in the neighborhood grocery story, not knowing he had been released on bond.

“Our landmark criminal justice reforms over the past eight years are saving tax dollars, decreasing recidivism and bolstering our workforce,” Deal said in a news release after signing the bill. “Marsy's Law for Georgia complements these efforts by strengthening the protections for those who've been hurt by criminal actions.”

Deal's signature enacted implementing legislation and a proposed constitutional amendment that passed both chambers of the General Assembly unanimously earlier this year.

“With this legislation now ready to take effect, we are one step closer to equal rights for crime victims,” Ann Casas, state director of Marsy's Law for Georgia, said in the news release. “Our state is one of only 14 in the country that don't give victims any constitutional rights, and Georgia is one of several states that will vote this November to pass Marsy's Law.”

Marsy's Law for Georgia would give victims the constitutional right to notice of the status of offenders and information on case developments; the right to attend any proceedings involving the offender; the right to be heard throughout case proceedings; and the right to be treated with dignity and respect.

“Marsy's Law for Georgia has worked over three legislative sessions to see this come to pass,” Casas said. “We now move fully into campaign mode as we take the message directly to Georgia voters about why victims need equal rights.”