House Passes Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act to Aid Support Programs

The House of Representatives has approved H.R. 909, the **Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act**, a bipartisan initiative supported by Congresswoman **Maggie Goodlander**. This legislation aims to provide a consistent funding source for programs that assist victims of crime, including child advocacy centers, domestic violence agencies, and rape crisis centers. The act mandates that certain civil penalties collected from fraud cases against the federal government will be redirected to the **Crime Victims Fund**.

This significant development took place on **October 3, 2023**, reflecting a commitment to enhancing support for victims across **New Hampshire** and all fifty states. Congresswoman Goodlander emphasized the importance of the fund, stating, “The Crime Victims Fund has for decades supported the life-saving and life-changing work of victim assistance programs across our state.” She further highlighted that this bipartisan bill will ensure that no victim faces delays in receiving help, as it is financed by the very individuals attempting to exploit the system.

The Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act introduces several key provisions aimed at strengthening the support for victims:

Key Provisions of the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act

– **Stable Funding Source**: The bill establishes a reliable mechanism for funding the Crime Victims Fund through 2029, enhancing the financial stability of victim support programs.

– **Accountability for Offenders**: By requiring civil penalties from fraud and false claims to be deposited into the fund, the legislation holds offenders accountable while simultaneously aiding victims.

– **Support for Essential Services**: The fund plays a crucial role in providing compensation, counseling, shelter, and legal assistance to crime victims, ensuring they receive the necessary resources for recovery.

– **Nationwide Impact**: The Crime Victims Fund supports a wide array of federal, state, and local programs dedicated to assisting victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and other violent crimes.

– **Funding Model**: The act strengthens an existing model that relies on fines and penalties from offenders rather than taxpayer dollars, ensuring that the financial burden does not fall on the general public.

Congresswoman Goodlander has a history of advocating for the rights of New Hampshire residents. Prior to her congressional role, she served as a Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division. In this capacity, she worked towards bipartisan solutions aimed at supporting vulnerable populations.

As communities across the nation continue to face challenges related to crime and violence, the passage of the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act represents a pivotal step toward ensuring that essential support services remain accessible to those in need. For individuals seeking assistance, resources are available through local organizations, including **Bridges Domestic and Sexual Violence Support** in New Hampshire.