Indy Standard

State Representative Julie Olthoff, representing Crown Point, has introduced a bill to address the reduction in federal funding for crime victim assistance. The legislation aims to allocate state funds to support entities eligible under the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA).

House Bill 1123 proposes creating a new fund for Indiana crime victims, designed to supplement the existing VOCA grant program and bridge funding gaps. Olthoff expressed concern about potential service reductions due to financial constraints, stating, "As a board member of the Fair Haven Rape Crisis Center, it pains me to think of having to reduce services and programming that make such an impact in my community due to financial limitations."

The U.S. Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime allocated over $359 million from fines and penalties related to federal convictions in fiscal year 2023. This funding reached over 7 million crime victims nationwide. However, after Congress capped the fund in 2000 to stabilize it, the cap reached over $4 billion in 2018 before declining sharply. Last year alone saw a decrease of $700 million, nearly 40% less than previous levels.

Olthoff's bill would direct $30 million in state funds over two years to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute for distribution among organizations assisting crime victims. The legislation is currently under review by the House Ways and Means Committee.

For more information and updates on legislative proceedings regarding this bill, visit iga.in.gov.