VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act of 2021
Jul 22, 2021
Statute: 135 Stat. 301
Became law: Jul 22, 2021
Jul 22, 2021
Statute: 135 Stat. 301
Became law: Jul 22, 2021
Summary
Helps crime victims by putting money from certain legal deals into the Crime Victims Fund, ensuring more support is available for victim assistance programs.
What problem does this solve?
The main fund that helps crime victims was running out of money because fewer fines were being collected. This law adds new money sources by using funds from legal settlements that were not previously used for this purpose.
What does this law do?
Adds new funding sources to Crime Victims Fund
Directs money from deferred prosecution and non-prosecution agreements into the Crime Victims Fund. This money previously went to the Treasury's general fund.
Increases federal funding share for victim programs
Raises the federal government's share for state victim compensation program grants from 60 percent to 75 percent.
Allows states to waive matching fund requirements
Permits the chief executive of a state to waive the requirement for victim assistance programs to provide matching funds to receive federal grants.
Mandates waivers during national emergencies
Requires states to waive all matching fund requirements for victim assistance programs during a declared national emergency and for one year after it ends.
Adds flexibility to victim cooperation rules
Allows victim compensation programs to not require a victim to cooperate with law enforcement if it could jeopardize the victim's wellbeing for various reasons.
Who does this affect?
- Crime victims
- State victim assistance and compensation programs
- Non-profit organizations serving crime victims
What is the real world impact?
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Prevents cuts to victim services
Ensures that the Crime Victims Fund, which supports services for victims of domestic violence, child abuse, and other crimes, does not run out of money. It redirects funds from corporate legal settlements to stabilize the fund.
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Provides financial relief during crises
Removes the requirement for state and local victim service providers to match federal funding during a national emergency, like a pandemic. This helps ensure that services can continue even when local fundraising is difficult.
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Increases flexibility for states
Allows states to waive the matching funds requirement for grants, giving them more control over how to best support local victim assistance programs that may struggle to raise their own funds.
When does this start?
This law became effective on July 22, 2021.