Requires dissemination by certain state agencies of information pertaining to social services and financial assistance available to crime victims

BILL NUMBER:S4198

Title of bill

An act to amend the executive law, in relation to providing information on victim and witness assistance programs to crime victims

Purpose of general idea of bill

To provide crime victims with information on victim assistance programs available to them following victimization. This legislation requires that information given to victims about victim assistance programs at such places as the police station, precinct house, hospital emergency room, domestic violence shelter or homeless shelter, shall be limited to those programs funded by the Crime victims Board (CVB) and domestic violence related programs licensed and approved by the Office of Children and Family services (OCFS) to ensure accuracy.

Summary of specific provisions

Subdivision 1 of section 625-a of the executive law, subdivision 1 as amended- by chapter 173 of the laws of 2006 is being amended. Subdivision 1 of section 625-b of the executive law as added by chapter 173 of the laws, of 2006 is amended.

Justification

The need for accurate information regarding victim assistance programs is extremely important. One who has been criminally victimized often suffers severe physical, psychological and/or financial impairment.

Adequate help from the very beginning can encourage "functional reconstruction" of the victim so that later psychological intervention is less likely to be necessary. This important assistance can often take place if the crime victim is given adequate information, especially since one who has been victimized may be in a state of shock or confusion and desperately needs support, but may be unable to get it unassisted.

This legislation provides that only information on those victim assistance programs funded by the CVB as well as those domestic violence programs licensed and approved by the OCFS shall be provided. The CVB carefully vets and continuously monitors the victim assistance programs that it funds to ensure that these programs provide accurate and useful information to victims in their time of need.

Prior legislative history

S.1538E Passed Senate 6/18/10; A.3923 Passed Assembly 6/25/10. Veto Memo 6718 7/30/10. The bill will be amended to reflect the concerns in the veto message.

Fiscal implications

$5,000 to $10,000 for information preparation and distribution by the Crime Victims Board.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred and eightieth day after it shall have become a law.