Senate unanimously approves Sen. Carney bill to provide services to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence
AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, May 14, the Senate voted unanimously to approve LD 1139, “An Act to Provide Funding for Essential Services for Victims of Crimes,” in an initial vote. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Anne Carney, D-Cape Elizabeth, would fund essential services for victims of violent crime, including sexual assault and domestic violence.
“The loss of federal funding through the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) poses an existential threat to the vital services administered by victim services providers throughout the state of Maine,” said Sen. Carney. “These services include everything from medical care and counseling to legal advocacy and Maine’s 24/7 domestic violence helpline. The Senate’s unanimous support for LD 1139 demonstrates our commitment to preventing the catastrophic across-the-board cuts to victim services that will occur if we do not step in to help. Maine’s victim services system is working well. I appreciate my colleagues’ willingness to invest in its continued existence.”
Until last year, federal funding through the VOCA was the core funding source for most of Maine’s victim services agencies and provided basic and essential victim services. In 2024, Maine faced a shortfall of $6M due to reductions in federal VOCA grants. The Legislature acted on similar legislation from Sen. Carney last year and appropriated the necessary funding on a one-time basis, but further funding is needed for the upcoming fiscal years to maintain Maine’s victim services network.
Once enacted, LD 1139 will provide ongoing funding of $6 million for crime victims services, which include counseling and mental health services, legal advocacy and assistance and medical care and forensic exams. Any unused funds appropriated for this purpose at the end of each year will be carried forward to the following year to be used for the same purposes.
LD 1139 now faces additional votes in the House and Senate. If it passes in the House, it will face consideration by the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee.
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