The resolution addresses the significant reduction in federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funds allocated to Rhode Island for the fiscal year 2024, which has been cut by nearly 40 percent. This cut threatens the operation of over thirty Rhode Island victim service organizations and state agencies that provide essential support to vulnerable populations, including victims of child abuse, sexual assault, elder abuse, domestic violence, human trafficking, and other forms of violence. These organizations offer a range of services such as crisis support, education, advocacy, prevention efforts, and a 24/7 helpline, among others. In the 2023 fiscal year, these VOCA-funded services reached over 42,000 individuals in Rhode Island.

To address the shortfall created by the federal funding cuts, the resolution proposes an appropriation of $2 million from the state treasury for the fiscal year 2024-2025 to the Rhode Island Foundation. This appropriation is intended to be distributed as grants to Rhode Island nonprofit organizations that are recipients of VOCA funding, using the current grant distribution formula. The resolution authorizes the state controller to release the funds as required upon receipt of properly authorized vouchers. The legislative council explains that this appropriation is meant to support VOCA grant recipient organizations in Rhode Island, ensuring they can continue their mission to aid and support victims of violent crime in the state.