New Jersey is taking a significant step toward improving support for victims of crime with a new law designed to increase transparency and accountability within the Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO). Acting Governor Tahesha Way recently signed legislation, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz and Senator Benjie Wimberly, that requires the VCCO to publish an annual, detailed report on the compensation awards given to crime victims across the state. This move is a win for both victims and the public, ensuring the system is working as intended and that taxpayer dollars are being used effectively.
The new law, known as S-2223, mandates that the VCCO’s Executive Director, under the direction of the Attorney General, provide a comprehensive report to the Governor and the Legislature each year. This report will be far-reaching, including critical data such as the number of applications received, granted, and denied, as well as the reasons behind those decisions. It will also detail the total award amounts, demographic information of applicants, the types of services provided, and the funding the office has received.
Senator Ruiz, a key proponent of the bill, emphasized that victims deserve to have confidence in the system meant to help them. She stated that the legislation ensures “lawmakers, advocates, and the public clearly understand how victim compensation is being awarded and where improvements may be needed.” Senator Wimberly echoed this sentiment, highlighting that “accurate and consistent data is essential for effective public policy.” By making this information public, the state can better identify gaps in services and address the needs of those who have been harmed.
The legislation was born out of a 2022 hearing that brought to light the disproportionate impact of human trafficking on marginalized communities and the pressing need to improve access to victim services. While the VCCO has released reports in the past, the last publicly available one was for Fiscal Year 2020. This new law codifies the reporting process, making it a regular and reliable tool for evaluation and oversight. The annual report will be based on the state’s fiscal year and must be completed within six months of its close. To ensure easy access for all New Jerseyans, the report will be published on the official website of the Department of Law and Public Safety.
This legislation represents a critical commitment from New Jersey to its residents who have experienced the trauma of crime. By creating a transparent and consistent reporting process, the state is taking an important step to ensure its victim compensation program is equitable, effective, and truly serves the people it was designed to help.
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