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Subcommittee hears that VOCA funding has dropped; advocates urge state backfill and reauthorization of human-trafficking services
Summary
Cal OES told the subcommittee federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) allocations to California have declined substantially; advocates and survivor witnesses urged state backfill for VOCA and a $30 million reauthorization for human-trafficking victim services fund.
Cal OES and advocacy groups briefed the Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 on federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding and the status of state support for victim services.
Gina Buccieri Harrington of Cal OES and others said federal VOCA allocations to California have dropped from about $396 million (FY 2018) to $87 million (FY 2024). Cal OES estimated that to maintain current services the state would need a federal award of about $224 million; absent that, a 2024–25 one-time state general-fund allocation of $103 million and reallocated prior-year funds were used to mitigate the gap. Cal OES said if federal allocations remain at the 2024 level, the state would need roughly $130 million to preserve current service levels for the upcoming year.
Advocates and service providers urged the committee to backfill federal shortfalls and reauthorize human-trafficking service funding. Public commenters included the Sacramento LGBT Community Center and a coalition of victim-service organizations calling for a $176 million annual state allocation for five years to stabilize services, while the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking and survivor witnesses urged reauthorization of a $30 million augmentation to the Human Trafficking Victim Services Fund.
Survivor testimony: Multiple survivor witnesses described how community-based services helped them recover and urged continued funding. One survivor said, "Without the support and the services of CAST, I wouldn't be where I am today." (public comment, Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking speaker).
Why it matters: VOCA funds support crisis services, counseling, housing and legal aid for victims of violent crime. Significant federal reductions can create gaps in services for vulnerable populations; advocates urged state-level bridging funds and reauthorizations to prevent service disruptions.
Next steps: Cal OES and Department of Finance said they will monitor federal allocations (timing of federal award was uncertain at the hearing) and continue to brief the Legislature. Advocates requested multiyear state commitments to stabilize service providers while awaiting federal awards.
