Date of Proposal:                 March 1, 2021             

Proposal Number:                PRN 2021-18

Proposal Description:         

The New Jersey Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO) proposes to amend N.J.A.C.  13:75 to reflect legislative changes to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act. The amendments will make available new forms of assistance from the VCCO, including expanded legal services for crime victims, compensation particular to the victims of human trafficking, and where certain survivors of homicides are concerned, the provision of some limited awards where previously no award was available. In addition, the proposed amendments increase the availability of emergency awards and extend the window of time during which crime victims can file claims. The amendments also allow for the reduction of an award – and in some instances the denial of an award – when victims were the proximate cause of their injuries, provided there is relevant evidence to support such a determination.                                

Summary of Proposal:           

A detailed summary of the proposed rule is posted on the VCCO Web site and can be found at this link: https://nj.gov/oag/PRN_2021-018_(53_NJR_359(a)).pdf                                          

Public Comment:               

Public comment on the proposed rule will be accepted until April 30, 2021.  Please direct all comments to:

Mary Ellen Bonsper, Acting VCCO Director

Victims of Crime Compensation Office 

50 Park Place

Newark, New Jersey 07102

Or by email at: MaryEllen.Bonsper@njvictims.org