Rice County attorney urges support for victim services as board proclaims Crime Victims Rights Week

Rice County Attorney Brian Mortensen told commissioners on April 14 that an advisory group had given final approval for the county’s mental health court and that the proposal would go before the state judicial council this week. He also presented a proclamation for National Crime Victims Rights Week and warned of proposed cuts to victim services at the state level.

Mortensen said the 2026 Legislature is proposing a 20% decrease in funding for victim services and characterized the reduction as large and potentially harmful to local advocacy groups. "This is a $12,000,000 decrease statewide for victim services in our communities, our counties, and statewide," he said, adding that the local Hope Center could lose more than $60,000 and that the county’s victim‑services coordinator position relies heavily on state funding. He also described National Crime Victims Rights Week as "a call to action" to support victims and survivors.

Commissioners moved to approve and sign the proclamation naming April 19–25, 2026, as National Crime Victims Rights Week in Rice County; the motion passed by voice vote. Mortensen asked commissioners to advocate to state representatives against the proposed cuts.

The board did not take any formal policy vote or adopt a written advocacy position during the meeting beyond approving the proclamation. The mental health court matter will be decided by the judicial council; the county awaits that decision.