Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025
Summary
The Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025 aims to bolster the Crime Victims Fund by temporarily directing additional deposits from False Claims Act recoveries. This would apply from the enactment date through fiscal year 2029.
The Act stipulates that amounts used to compensate qui tam plaintiffs and reimburse the government for damages under the False Claims Act are excluded from these deposits. It also mandates an audit by the Department of Justice's Inspector General by September 30, 2028, to assess the Fund's sustainability and the effects of this Act and the VOCA Fix Act of 2021.
Expected Effects
The Act is expected to increase the balance of the Crime Victims Fund, providing more resources for victim compensation and assistance programs. The Inspector General's audit will provide insights into the long-term stability and effectiveness of the Fund.
However, the exclusion of certain False Claims Act recoveries may limit the overall increase in deposits. The audit will also assess the impact of previous legislation on the fund's stability.
Potential Benefits
- Increased funding for victim compensation programs.
- Enhanced support services for crime victims.
- Improved long-term stability of the Crime Victims Fund.
- Greater accountability and oversight through the Inspector General's audit.
- Potential for legislative recommendations to further improve the Fund's effectiveness.
Potential Disadvantages
- Exclusion of certain False Claims Act recoveries may limit the Fund's growth.
- The temporary nature of the additional deposits may not provide a sustainable long-term solution.
- The audit's findings may reveal shortcomings in the Fund's management or effectiveness.
- Potential administrative burdens associated with tracking and managing the additional deposits.
- The Act does not address the root causes of crime or victimisation.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to provide support and assistance to crime victims. Specifically, the preamble states the intention to "establish Justice" and "insure domestic Tranquility," which can be supported by providing resources to victims of crime.
Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to collect taxes and provide for the general welfare of the United States. The Act's provisions for depositing funds into the Crime Victims Fund fall under this power. The Inspector General audit ensures accountability and transparency in the use of these funds.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).