Acting Governor Tahesha Way has signed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Declan O’Scanlon to make permanent the annual reporting requirements of the Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO). The legislation formalizes an existing practice, requiring the VCCO to submit yearly reports to both the Governor and State Legislature that detail financial awards granted to victims of violent crime.
“Good policy shouldn’t rely on good fortune. Now, with the Acting Governor’s signature, this practice that was already in place at the VCCO is codified into law ensuring continued transparency—especially as structural changes are considered to the VCCO,” said Sen. O’Scanlon. “This annual report helps us as lawmakers understand how victim compensation is awarded and ensures that the system continues to work to the best of its ability for survivors of violent crime.”
The new law requires the VCCO’s reports to include data such as the number of applications submitted for compensation, reasons for acceptance or denial, amounts awarded, demographic information about applicants, services funded through awards, funding received by the office, and other relevant details determined by the VCCO.
The full text of legislation A-1948/S-2223 can be accessed online at https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A1948.
