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Dear Colleagues:
On February 5, 2024, we published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register and released the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Compensation Proposed Rule (“Proposed Rule”). During the 60-day open comment period, the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) received thousands of comments from survivors, advocates, national organizations, State Administering Agencies, and other state and federal officials. The majority of comments strongly advocated for OVC’s efforts to reduce barriers to compensation, clarify the breadth of expenses that can be covered, and reduce administrative burdens that victims experience when applying for compensation.
It’s with disappointment that I tell you today the Proposed Rule has been withdrawn from the rulemaking process. This was a difficult decision. There simply wasn’t enough time remaining in the current Administration to get this over the finish line.
However, the rulemaking process was a valuable learning experience for us. The information obtained from the more than 3,800 comments received during the public comment period, literature reviews, and listening sessions will have a lasting impact, and not just at OVC. It has been heartening to learn that many states are already leading the way in implementing changes to their own compensation programs that align with the intended purpose of the proposed rule. We hope the transparency with which we followed the rulemaking process has encouraged you to have your own frank conversations about how victim compensation is administered and who has access to it.
I gratefully acknowledge the bravery of the crime victims and survivors who shared their personal stories throughout this process and the honest and valuable contributions by those in the field who offer life-affirming support and services each day to those impacted by crime. OVC is counting on you to continue the work that has been started to remove the unnecessary bureaucratic and administrative barriers that currently prevent so many victims from accessing critical services.
Sincerely,
Kristina Rose
Director
Questions can be directed to askOVC@ncjrs.gov.
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