Maine Senate gives initial approval to Carney bill supporting survivors of violent crime

LD 2084 would replace a sharp drop in federal funding from the Victims of Crime Act

AUGUSTA — On Tuesday, the Maine Senate voted in favor of a bill from Sen. Anne Carney, D-Cape Elizabeth, to ensure survivors of violent crime can continue to access essential support services. LD 2084, “An Act to Provide Funding for Essential Services for Victims of Crimes,” received unanimous, bipartisan support in an initial vote.

“When federal leaders drop the ball, and vital funding is cut or put in jeopardy, it’s the duty of state leaders to step up and act. That’s what this bill is about,” said Sen. Carney. “Maine is facing a severe 60% decrease in funding through the federal Victims of Crime Act. That kind of a cut would be devastating. I’m grateful to see such strong, clear support from my colleagues in the Senate for this critical measure.”

LD 2084 would provide ongoing funding for state programs that are typically supported by Victims of Crimes Act (VOCA) funding, with $6 million budgeted for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

Federal VOCA funding has decreased over the last few years across the country. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), which distributes VOCA funds in Maine, had been able to keep local providers whole through a combination of reserved VOCA funds and other federal funds. However, DHHS has indicated it will not be able to keep pace with the decreasing federal funding levels. Maine is projected to receive 60% less funding than it has previously. 

Additionally, VOCA-funded crisis response services played a critical role in the immediate aftermath and ongoing impacts of the Lewiston shooting in October. The homicide victim services team met with victims, helped family members recover their loved one’s personal items from the crime scenes and assisted families in accessing funds to help with unexpected funeral expenses. Many needs continue to be supported by Maine’s victim services response network.

The largest recipients of VOCA funding Maine are the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence, the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Children’s Advocacy Centers and Pine Tree Legal Assistance. VOCA funding also supports court-appointed special advocates in child protective cases in the Judicial Branch, services for elders through Legal Services for the Elderly and the Elder Abuse Institute of Maine, and a variety of crime victims through Victim Witness Advocates at the Attorney General’s Office, the Department of Corrections, and in local District Attorney’s offices. 

LD 2084 faces further votes in the House and Senate.