Senate Passes Bill Protecting Child Victims

(Albany, NY) - On Monday, May 18, 2009, the New York State Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 3402, introduced by Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson, Chairwoman of the Senate Standing Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Corrections. This legislation would allow for the New York State Crime Victims Board to compensate young victims for property damage, transportation to court and counseling. In previous years, the law stipulated that no compensation would be allowed for child victims unless they were physically harmed. "This bill provides that child victims receive equal protection under the law," said Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson.