Vella-Backed Legislation Expanding Crime Victim Compensation Program Signed into Law

ROCKFORD, Ill. – As part of his efforts to support those who have been affected by crimes, state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, helped pass legislation that was recently signed into law by Gov. Pritzker that expands the Crime Victim’s Compensation (CVC) Program, which provides funds to victims of violent crimes and their families that incurred financial costs as a result of the crime.

“After someone goes through the traumatic experience of being a victim of a violent crime, the last thing they should have to worry about is having to deal with a financial burden due to the crime,” said Vella. “To ensure they have the opportunity to focus on physically and emotionally recovering, it is important that we are providing financial relief to the crime victims that need it.”

Vella co-sponsored House Bill 3295, which passed both chambers with unanimous support and was signed into law. The law updates the Illinois Attorney General’s CVC program to ensure the needs of crime victims are being met. These changes include increasing the maximum payout to $45,000 from $27,000 to those who are victims of a crime committed after Aug. 6, 2022, as well as allowing funds to be used for funeral and burial costs.

During his time as a state representative, Vella has helped update Illinois law to provide more support to victims of crimes. This session, he co-sponsored legislation allowing victims to make civil no-contact orders permanent against defendants convicted of a sex crime. He also introduced legislation that prohibits the Department of Child and Family Services from terminating parental custody of domestic abuse survivors solely due to them reporting domestic abuse.

“No one should have to face an uncaring and unhelpful system in order to get the resources they need after being a crime victim,” said Vella. “With all the adversity that they have to face, it is our responsibility to work with victims to ensure our laws are helping them on their road to recovery.”