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Bill to add children's advocacy centers as eligible recipients of court fines advanced by committee
Summary
House File 1295 would add 15 children's advocacy centers to the list of victim assistance programs eligible to receive a portion of court‑imposed fines; the committee adopted a technical amendment and recommended the bill to the general register.
The committee recommended House File 1295 be placed on the general register after a brief hearing in which representatives of children’s advocacy centers described services and asked to be added to the list of programs eligible to receive a portion of court‑imposed fines designated for victim assistance.
Sponsor Representative Johnson said the bill would add Minnesota’s 15 children’s advocacy centers to the statute that directs a portion of certain court fines to victim‑assistance programs. Christy Shannon, executive director of Corner House Children’s Advocacy Center (Minneapolis), told the committee that children’s advocacy centers provide forensic interviewing, court advocacy, family advocacy and trauma‑focused therapy tailored to victims under age 18 and that the centers frequently partner with domestic violence and sexual‑assault programs.
Marsha Milliken of the Minnesota Children’s Alliance said the inclusion would provide another revenue source without going to the general fund and urged committee support. The committee adopted an A1 amendment updating statutory terminology and approved the bill for the general register.
What happens next: If enacted, children’s advocacy centers would become eligible recipients of the 70 percent share of certain court‑imposed fine proceeds that the statute forwards to victim‑assistance programs. Sponsors and center representatives said the funds would be used for direct services to child victims.
