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 a total of $....... for fiscal years 2026 and 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, with the intention of supporting victims of sexual assault, general crime, domestic violence, and child abuse.
The funding is intended to address the direct needs of organizations serving crime victims, which includes providing direct client assistance, competitive wages for staff, housing-related supports, culturally responsive programming, and prevention initiatives. The bill emphasizes the importance of serving victims in underserved communities and ensuring that the services reflect the state's diverse population. Additionally, it allows for up to ten percent of the appropriation to be used for grant administration.