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JFAC adds $3 million one-time for child advocacy centers amid declining VOCA funds
Summary
Committee approved a one-time $3 million General Fund appropriation to the Domestic Violence Council for child advocacy centers to replace declining federal grant cash and support forensic interviews, counseling and legal aid for child victims.
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee approved a $3,000,000 one-time General Fund appropriation on March 14 to support child advocacy centers (CACs) through the Domestic Violence Council.
Why it was proposed: Committee analysts and members said federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding and other federal grant dollars that historically supported CACs have declined, reducing available cash for centers that provide forensic interviews, counseling and legal services to underage victims of abuse. Committee proponents said the funding would restore cash levels closer to prior years and help CACs maintain services.
Motion and vote: Representative Furness moved the motion; it was seconded and passed with a committee tally of 18 ayes, 1 nay, 1 absent and excused (Senate 8 aye,1 nay,1 absent; House 10 aye). Sponsors and advocates described the CAC model and cited evidence that CAC involvement increases prosecution success rates and improves outcomes for victims.
What funds cover: Analysts said VOCA and other federal grants remain the primary revenue sources but have declined; the $3 million is intended to supplement that decrease and was framed as a one-time restoration to bring funding closer to 2023 levels. Committee members described CAC operations—including forensic interviews recorded for prosecution—and said CACs can increase successful prosecutions and provide trauma-informed settings for children.
Discussion vs. decision: Committee discussion detailed how CACs operate, their role in prosecutions and local examples of improved outcomes after CAC implementation. Committee action was a formal one-time appropriation recorded by roll call.
Next steps: Motion passed and was reported out with a due-pass recommendation; committee members signaled interest in monitoring continuing funding needs and potential future requests.
