The state fund used to compensate some crime victims is facing major financial problems.
That's what members of the Texas House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee heard today. Lawmakers learned that court fees going into the fund have fallen in the past three years – creating a short term deficit and threatening the long-term survival of the fund, according to the Associated Press.
The Crime Victims' Compensation program assists those affected by violent or traumatic crimes, offering up to $75,000 in cases of “catastrophic injuries resulting in a total and permanent disability.”
The AP writes that First Assistant Attorney General Daniel Hodge told the committee some 65 percent of the fund comes from court fees. Lawmakers may be asked to supplement the fund with taxpayer money. However, the state is anticipating another budget gap heading into the next Legislative session – creating the possibility of a funding showdown.
