CRIME VICTIM'S RIGHTS FUND

Senate Bill 138 as reported from House committee

Sponsor:  Sen. Dave Hildenbrand

House Committee:  Appropriations

Senate Committee:  Appropriations

Complete to 3-4-15

SUMMARY:

Senate Bill 138 revises Section 4 of Act 196 of 1989, under which the Crime Victim's Rights Fund is established.  Under current law, not more than $3.5 million shall be expended from the Crime Victim's Rights Fund in any fiscal year for establishment and maintenance of a statewide emergency medical services trauma system. 

Under the bill, for Fiscal Year 2014-15 only, the amount is increased by $1.3 million to a total of not more than $4.8 million that shall be expended from the Fund for this purpose.

FISCAL IMPACT:

To address revenue shortfalls, the Legislature passed Enrolled House Bill 4112 supplemental appropriations for FY 2014-15 which includes a net $0 gross fund shift of $1.3 million from GF/GP funding to the Crime Victim's Rights Fund for the one-time statewide trauma system appropriation in the Department of Community Health budget. 

State restricted Crime Victim's Rights Fund revenue is sufficient to support statewide trauma system funding at an increased appropriation level of $4.8 million in FY 2014-15, as a third priority pursuant to statute after funding needs are met for crime victim services, and crime victim compensation.  Revenue to the Fund is from fees assessed against convicted criminal defendants.  The Fund balance estimated to be available at the end of FY 2014-15 is $15.2 million, based on revenue of $20 million, a carryforward of $14.8 million from the prior fiscal year, and current planned expenditures totaling $19.6 million.  Expenditures currently include $3.5 million for statewide emergency medical services trauma system (not including HB 4112), and $16.1 million for the crime victim program: state administration and education, grants to county prosecutors, courts and other organizations for training and local advocacy and other victim services, victim compensation, provider reimbursement for victim forensic exams related to sexual assault (SAFE Response), and state information technology services.

The statewide trauma system has been supported with Crime Victim's Rights Fund revenue since FY 2011-12.  If the bill is not enacted, $1.3 million of the appropriations in the enacted FY 2014-15 DCH budget for statewide trauma systems will not be available for expenditure.

                                                                                                 Fiscal Analyst:   Susan Frey               

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.