The New Jersey Senate has passed a bipartisan bill, sponsored by Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-13), aimed at maintaining transparency and accountability within the Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO). The legislation, known as S-2223, seeks to formalize the VCCO’s practice of issuing annual reports to both the Governor and State Legislature. These reports summarize financial awards granted to victims of violent crime.
Senator O’Scanlon emphasized the importance of this legislative move: “Good policy shouldn’t rely on good fortune. While this practice is currently in place at the VCCO, codifying it into law ensures continued transparency—especially as structural changes are considered to the VCCO.” He added that the annual report aids lawmakers in understanding how victim compensation is awarded and ensures that the system operates effectively for survivors of violent crime.
The bill stipulates that the VCCO must include several key details in their reports. These include the number of applications submitted for compensation, reasons for application acceptance or denial, amounts awarded, demographic information about recipients, services funded by awards, funding received by the office, and any other relevant details deemed necessary by the VCCO.
Those interested can access the full text of this legislation online.
