The bill aims to enhance public safety by appropriating funds for grants to organizations that provide direct services and advocacy for victims of crime. Specifically, it allocates $....... in fiscal year 2026 and $....... in fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the commissioner of public safety for the Office of Justice Programs. These grants are designated for organizations that received funding from the crime victim services unit in fiscal year 2024 and must be utilized for various forms of support, including direct client assistance, competitive wages for staff, housing-related services, and culturally responsive programming.
Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of serving victims in underserved communities that are most affected by violence, ensuring that the services provided reflect the state's diverse population. The funding will also support prevention programming, such as domestic abuse transformation and restorative justice initiatives. Notably, up to ten percent of the appropriation is available for grant administration, allowing for effective management of the funds allocated to support crime victim survivors.