House passes legislation to increase the Crime Victims Fund

Key Takeaways

On January 12, the House passed the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act (H.R. 909) by a voice vote. This bipartisan legislation would redirect unobligated funds collected through the False Claims Act, which normally goes into the U.S. Department of Treasury’s general fund, into the Crime Victims Fund (CVF) through fiscal 2029. The CVF, which is financed through criminal penalties and fines paid by companies in guilty plea agreements or out-of-court settlements, has been dwindling in recent years, creating uncertainty for victims and service providers. By redirecting these funds, the legislation would stabilize the CVF and help sustain funding for crime victim services through the end of the decade.

Impact on counties

Counties play a central role in delivering victim services funded by the CVF, relying on federal grant funding that flows through states to support local programs serving residents who are victims of crime. These funds help counties provide critical services that help victims recover and navigate the justice system. Stabilizing the CVF would help ensure counties have sufficient and predictable resources to continue providing essential services that meet the needs of crime victims in their communities.