Establishes the statutory rape prosecution grant program; appropriation

1 Co-sponsor

• Ruben Diaz

Title of bill

An act to amend the executive law, in relation to establishing the statutory rape prosecution grant program; and making an appropriation therefor

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill provides financial assistance for district attorneys for the prosecution of the crimes of statutory rape and non-payment of child support.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 establishes the statutory rape prosecution grant program. The commissioner of the division of criminal justice services is authorized to make grants to district attorneys who demonstrate a need for additional resources in the prosecution of statutory rape crimes or the crime of non-payment of child support. Grant monies awarded may be used to hire and train new prosecutors or investigators for the purpose of prosecuting such offenses. No more than two district attorneys within the same city shall be awarded such grants. Section 2 appropriates $500,000 for the grant program. Section 3 contains the effective date.

Effects of present law which this bill would alter

This bill establishes the statutory rape prosecution grant program.

Justification

Too often, district attorneys lack the resources to prosecute the crime of statutory rape or non-payment of child support. This bill will provide district attorneys the needed resources to put behind bars those individuals who would prey on vulnerable persons in our society.

Prior legislative history

S.7555 of 2008 04/11/08 Referred to Finance

Fiscal implications for st ate and local governments

The bill would appropriate $500,000 from general funds for the program.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.