Acting Governor Tahesha Way signed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-13) to ensure continued transparency and accountability from the Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO). The bill codifies the VCCO’s existing practice of issuing annual reports to the Governor and State Legislature summarizing financial awards granted to victims of violent crime.
"Good policy shouldn’t rely on good fortune. Now, with the Acting Governor’s signature, this practice that was already in place at the VCCO is codified into law ensuring continued transparency—especially as structural changes are considered to the VCCO,” said Sen. O’Scanlon. “This annual report helps us as lawmakers understand how victim compensation is awarded and ensures that the system continues to work to the best of its ability for survivors of violent crime.”
Under the bill, the VCCO is required to report the number of applications submitted for compensation, reasons for why applications were accepted or denied, the amounts awarded, demographic information, services for which awards were provided, funding received by the office, and any other details the VCCO deem relevant.
You can read the full text of the legislation, A-1948/S-2223 online here.
