Winter’s Bipartisan Bill to Bolster Services for Crime Victims Clears Committee
SB22-183 would invest $41 million to fund essential services for child and adult victims of crime
DENVER, CO - Yesterday, the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Faith Winter (D-Westminster) to ensure Colorado victims of human trafficking, stalking, domestic violence, child abuse, and rape can continue to receive essential services.
Co-sponsored by Senator Bob Gardner (R-Colorado Springs), SB22-183 would fill a revenue gap in the Federal Crime Victims Fund to continue providing life-saving services for child and adult victims of crime through a one-time investment of pandemic relief funding.
“During the pandemic we saw an alarming rise in cases of domestic violence,” said Winter. “With this investment of American Rescue Plan funding, we can better support victims of domestic violence and ensure Coloradans in need never see an interruption in the essential care and services they rely on. I’m proud to support this effort and I know it will go a long way in providing victims of crime and domestic violence with the services they need.”
“Our Commitment to prioritizing public safety requires that we deter crime and offer support and comfort to victims in the hour of their greatest need,” Gardner said. “Unfortunately, due to the stresses of the pandemic, we saw a rise in domestic violence, and without these vital funds many of the support services and programs for victims will not be continued. Throughout my time in the legislature, I have always been committed to supporting the victims of crime, particularly victims of domestic assault, and I am very happy to see this bill progress. I am proud to be a sponsor of Senate Bill 183.”
SB22-183 is one in a series of bills to invest millions into the state’s economic recovery and deliver urgently-needed relief to Coloradans. The bill invests $35 million in pandemic relief funding to the Colorado Crime Victim Services Fund to ensure essential victim services can continue for the next four years. SB22-183 also invests an additional $6 million to services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, as recommended by the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force.
SB22-183 now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.