Bill Text: VA HB749 | 2022 | Regular Session | Comm Sub
Bill Title: Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Victim Fund; purpose, guidelines.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 5-2)
Status: (Passed) 2022-04-08 - Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0210) [HB749 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2022-HB749-Comm_Sub.html
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That §9.1-116.1 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:
§9.1-116.1. Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Victim Fund; purpose; guidelines.
A. There is created the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Victim Fund as a special nonreverting fund to be administered by the Department of Criminal Justice Services to support the prosecution of domestic violence cases and victim services.
B. The Department shall adopt guidelines, the purpose of which
shall be to make funds available to (i) local attorneys for the Commonwealth
for the purpose of funding the cost of additional attorneys or to further
dedicate existing resources to prosecute felonies and misdemeanors involving
domestic violence, sexual violence, sexual abuse, stalking, and family
abuse, and; (ii) law-enforcement authorities or appropriate
programs, including civil legal assistance, to assist in protecting and
providing necessary services to victims of and children affected by domestic
violence, sexual abuse, stalking, and family abuse; and (iii) sexual
assault service providers and hospitals for the purpose of funding the cost of
salaries and equipment for sexual assault forensic examiners, sexual assault
nurse examiners, and pediatric sexual assault nurse examiners with priority for
funding such costs given to such forensic examiners and nurse examiners serving
rural or underserved areas of the Commonwealth.
C. A portion of the sum collected pursuant to §16.1-69.48:1
as specified in that section shall be deposited into the state treasury to the
credit of this Fund in addition to any other monies moneys
appropriated, allocated or received specifically for such purpose. The Fund
shall be distributed according to grant procedures adopted pursuant to this
section and shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. Any funds
remaining in such Fund at the end of the biennium shall not revert to the
general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Interest earned on the Fund shall be
credited to the Fund.
D. The Department shall establish a grant procedure to govern funds awarded for this purpose.