Committee advances discussion on expanding access to Nevada victim compensation fund

Assemblymember Erica Roth (Assembly District 24) presented Assembly Bill 329 to the Assembly Judiciary Committee, proposing changes to Nevada’s Victims of Crime Compensation Program to make benefits more accessible and trauma‑informed.

Sponsor testimony described several key changes: extending the time to apply from the current timeline to 60 months (five years), removing the requirement that a victim file a police report within five days, and broadening acceptable documentation to include medical records, protection orders, court transcripts, records from victim service providers, affidavits from qualified third parties and other documentary evidence that the program director deems sufficient. The bill would also extend the period during which minors can apply for compensation to age 26 (or 60 months after turning 21), and add a waiver provision for good cause.

Serena Evans, policy director for the Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, told the committee the changes would respect survivors’ choices and reduce barriers that currently prevent many victims from getting help: “AB 3 2 9 sends a clear message. We trust survivors to make the choices that best support their healing,” she said. Tyler Winkler, supervising attorney at the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada’s Resiliency and Justice Center, described how survivors who don’t immediately report to police are commonly denied compensation under current rules and explained that alternative documentation could allow timely reimbursement for medical, counseling and relocation expenses.

Multiple victim‑service organizations and criminal‑justice groups supported the bill. Jennifer Noble testified for the Nevada District Attorneys Association in support; Robert Gibson, a litigation fellow with Giffords who worked at the Vegas Strong Resiliency Center, said federal guidance and changes to federal law permit alternative reporting and that other states have adopted similar approaches. Callers representing Alliance for Safety and Justice and other survivor networks also urged passage, citing the program’s role in recovery and public safety.

Opposition testimony was limited. A caller who identified as Ann Marie Grant said victims of police killings are frequently excluded from funding and opposed the bill on those grounds; committee staff and agency representatives noted that program caps and state plan reconciliation would guide awards. Marla McDade Williams, the program administrator for the Division of Child and Family Services (which administers the program), testified neutral and clarified funding mechanics: federal matching (VOCA) provides a large share of funds, and while increased approved payouts can increase federal reimbursements, the state may need additional budget authority if payouts rise.

Committee members asked technical questions about who can serve as a qualified third party (the bill lists doctors, therapists, licensed clinicians, registered psychiatric nurses, victim advocates with training and clergy, and drafters said the director could add other appropriate professionals) and about caps and reimbursement mechanics. Tyler Winkler summarized typical limits and practice: categories have caps (for example, funeral costs and relocation have statutory or program caps) and approved claims are generally reimbursable after documentation is provided. He said applications with complete documentation can be processed quickly, but police‑report delays can create long waits under current law.

The hearing closed after testimony and questions. No committee vote on AB329 is recorded in the provided transcript; agency and sponsor representatives indicated follow‑up and that administrative rules and the state plan will continue to govern caps and procedures.