HB 3196
Appropriates moneys to the Department of Justicefor purposes related to federal Victims of Crime Act grants.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
96%
Oppose
4%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill directs the Oregon Department of Justice to receive and spend funds to cover reductions in federal grants provided through the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). Specifically, it allocates money from the state’s general fund to backfill these funding gaps. An emergency declaration means the bill goes into effect immediately upon passage. This action aims to support programs that assist victims of crime.
Key provisions
- Allocates funds from the General Fund to the Department of Justice.
- The appropriation is intended to cover reductions in federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grants.
- The amount appropriated is specified in Section 1.
- An emergency declaration allows the bill to take effect immediately.
Who is affected
- Oregon Department of Justice
- Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant recipients
- State of Oregon
Notable changes
- The bill addresses funding shortfalls in VOCA grants.
- An emergency declaration allows for immediate implementation.
Fiscal impact
The bill appropriates funds from the General Fund to cover reductions in federal Victims of Crime Act grants.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Jeffrey Helfrich
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of HB 3196 emphasize the importance of backfilling reductions in federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grants to provide critical funding for vital services, including crisis support phone lines and emergency shelter. They highlight the need for these services, citing an increase in demand due to current environmental factors, particularly for survivors of domestic violence and other high-risk scenarios. Advocates also stress the significance of CASA programs in supporting vulnerable children, providing a trusted adult presence during foster care, and improving child outcomes. Personal stories and experiences shared by testifiers underscore the positive impact of these services on survivors' lives, emphasizing the need to continue funding vital services to ensure continued essential care for those who have experienced abuse and trauma.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of the bill express concerns about the allocation of funds for victims of crime programs. Some argue that continued funding for VOCA grants is crucial to support vulnerable newborns and young victims of Fentanyl exposure, emphasizing the need for sustained care and resources. Others oppose using taxpayer money for these programs, citing a 27% reduction in federal grants and the DOJ's assurance that existing grants will be maintained through federally funded non-taxpayer sources. Additionally, some testifiers recommend redirecting funds from VOCA to other areas, suggesting that taxpayer dollars should not be used to support victims of crime programs.