Senator Webb Announces Legislation to Improve the Victims Compensation Fund Signed into Law, Strengthening Resources for Survivors of Crime

(Albany, NY) This week, Senator Lea Webb (SD 52) applauded Senate Democratic Majority legislation to improve access to the Victim Compensation Fund (S214A, Senator Myrie) that was recently signed into law. This bill, which passed the Senate unanimously in May, will expand eligibility for victims and survivors of crime to access victim compensation funds by removing the mandatory law enforcement reporting requirement, and allow for alternative forms of evidence to be used when showing a crime was committed. This law, when it takes effect, will remove barriers for victim support and resources afforded to them. 

Senator Lea Webb said, “This legislation acknowledges the importance of improving our support system for crime victims. It will remove barriers that have made it difficult for victims and survivors of crime to access compensation. I applaud this legislation for expanding eligibility to victim compensation funds and removing unjust requirements, so that survivors can be supported in rebuilding their lives and healing from traumatic experiences.” 

The Victims Compensation Fund law makes several clarifications to aid victims in the claim process. First, it establishes that a crime may still have been committed even if the suspect was never arrested or charged, and even if the victim never worked with law enforcement to pursue such actions. It also eliminates a requirement that a crime must be reported “promptly,” meaning within one week of it occurring. Instead, it now allows victims to report within a “reasonable time frame,” allowing them to better take into account their mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. Lastly, this new law will extend the timeframe that a person may file a victim compensation claim from 1 year to 3 years, and adds stronger confidentiality requirements to the process. 

**If you or someone you know is in need of filing a victim compensation claim with the Office of Victim Services, please visit: https://ovs.ny.gov/victim-compensation** 

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