09/29/2008 GAAS:685:08 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Print Version | Email / Share
Governor Schwarzenegger Signs Legislation Providing Further Protections to Crime Victims
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced that he has signed legislation to honor crime victims and increase access to services for victims in the healing process. AB 2043 by Assemblymember Todd Spitzer (R-Orange) creates a State Capitol Park memorial in honor of Californians who have been victims of a crime and AB 717 by Assemblymember Jean Fuller (R-Bakersfield) provides victims with greater access to mental care services.
"Public safety is not just about prosecuting criminals, it is also about addressing the needs of the victims of those criminals. By signing this legislation we are respecting crime victims and recognizing the tremendous strength that can be shown in the face of adversity," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "Establishing a permanent tribute provides a place for Californians to reflect on the memory of crime victims and their rights. It reinforces the importance of protecting crime victims and providing them with the resources they need to heal."
AB 2043 authorizes the California Crime Victims' Memorial Foundation to plan and construct a memorial in the State Capitol Park honoring California residents who are victims of crime.
AB 717 expands access to mental care services for victims and increases the amount of compensation a victim may receive from the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB) for outpatient mental health counseling from $3,000 to $5,000. The Governor also approved a similar bill AB 2809 by Assemblymember Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) authorizing the VCGCB to reimburse up to $5,000 in out-patient mental health counseling for any minor suffering emotional injury caused by witnessing a violent crime.
The Governor also signed the following two crime victims-related bills:
- AB 2304 by Assemblymember George Plescia (R-San Diego) protects the name changes of participants in the Safe at Home program from being published by the court in any public form.
- AB 919 by Assemblymember Guy Houston (R-San Ramon) making it a misdemeanor to use the Internet or other electronic communication devices to intentionally instigate a third person to cause fear, harass or harm to another individual.
Governor Schwarzenegger's public safety record reflects a strong commitment to the protection and safety of crime victims. Earlier this year, the Governor signed a series of bills that expands rights for victims of juvenile offenders, increases protections for victim witnesses in sexual assault cases and improves the notification process for victims requesting a restraining order.
In April of 2008, Gov. Schwarzenegger presented the Governor's 2008 Crime Victims Advocacy Awards to 12 individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the protection and service of the crime victims' community. The Governor also proclaimed April 13th through 19th of this year "Crime Victims' Rights Week" in recognition of the hundreds of advocates who work endlessly to support victims in our state.
The Governor also signed legislation in 2007 that increases the victim notification requirement from 45 to 60 days when a sex offender leaves an institution and protects victims from repeated child abuse by prohibiting offenders from going within 35 miles of the child's residence.
