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 and are intended to support a range of services for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, general crime, and child abuse.
The funding will be utilized to address the direct needs of organizations serving crime victims, including client assistance, competitive wages for staff, housing-related supports, and culturally responsive programming. The bill emphasizes the importance of serving victims in underserved communities and ensuring that the services reflect the state's diversity. Additionally, it allows for up to ten percent of the appropriation to be used for grant administration.