S214A

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Myrie to expand crime victim compensation and remove barriers that have disproportionately affected Black, brown, LGBTQI, and women victims of violence. The bill, which took two years to advance, eliminates the requirement that victims interact with law enforcement, extends reporting timeframes, and increases state assistance to survivors of gun violence, domestic violence, and sexual violence. The measure passed on a 58-0 vote. Sen. Myrie, speaking on the bill, referenced his grandfather's recent death and connected his personal loss to the ongoing pain experienced by crime victims and survivors. He credited Corrections Committee Chair Sen. Salazar, staff, and impacted individuals who advocated for the legislation. Sen. Rolison, a former police officer, noted that historically the state lagged behind counties and nonprofits in providing victim services, and praised the bill's extended timeframe provision, arguing that victims deserve accessible support regardless of when they seek help. Sen. Weber, a cosponsor, said his office received numerous requests from crime victims and advocacy groups supporting the measure.