It is important to note that while there are issues that engender controversy in the General Assembly, there are also many bills that enjoy broad bipartisan support. House Bill 965 is one such example.

By way of background, prior to the legislative session, I had the privilege of serving on the Governor’s Commission on Sexual Violence in the capacity of chairman of the commission’s Committee on Treatment and Intervention. The purpose of the commission was to identify ways to improve the administration of justice for victims of violent crimes. During the year we met, the committee that I chaired brought together advocates and criminal justice experts from across the Commonwealth.

One of the issues that came to light had to do with victims of stalkers. With many crimes, particularly felonies and violent misdemeanors, victims are able to apply to the Commonwealth’s Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund for partial reimbursement of such expenses as relocation costs and therapy. Virginia is one of two states, however, that does not allow victims of stalkers to apply for such compensation. This is particularly unfortunate when considering that the federal government reimburses the Commonwealth 60 percent for every dollar paid out of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund. Moreover, the projected fiscal impact of covering costs for these crime victims would not jeopardize the solvency of the fund.

At the beginning of the legislative session, I introduced House Bill 965. This bill would allow victims of stalkers to apply for compensation under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund. We heard eloquent testimony from a woman who was stalked in Fairfax County, and whose case received notable attention in our local media. We also heard testimony from the executive director of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund, who provided valuable information about what other states cover and the fiscal impact on the fund.

The House and Senate approved of House Bill 965 by an overwhelming margin, and the Governor signed it into law last week.  Victims of stalkers will now be able to apply for compensation starting July 1, 2008.