SB21-292 Summary

• Allocates $15 million from the Economic Recovery and Relief Cash Fund (federal American Rescue Plan Act) to fund victim services programs for persons disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

• Distributes funding across multiple programs: $3 million for forensic nurse examiners telehealth program, $1.5 million for state victim compensation, $3 million for victims and witnesses assistance, $500,000 for address confidentiality program, and $4.75 million for domestic abuse programs.

• Addresses documented COVID-19 impacts on crime victims including escalating domestic violence (8% increase post stay-at-home orders), economic abuse, theft of stimulus checks, and slowed court proceedings.

• Establishes that all appropriated funds must comply with federal American Rescue Plan Act allowable purposes, with agencies permitted to use up to 5-10 percent of funds for administrative and development costs.

• Creates requirement for broad and diverse stakeholder process to guide the state's use of the allocated funds.