New jersey assembly advances "mass violence care fund" bill

TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Assembly Appropriations Committee has reported favorably on Assembly Bill No. 4409, with significant amendments. The bill, dated June 24, 2024, proposes the creation of the “Mass Violence Care Fund,” aimed at providing financial support for victims of mass violence events covering unpaid physical and behavioral health care expenses.

Administered by the Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO), the fund will be housed within the Department of Law and Public Safety. The Director of the Division of Investment in the Department of the Treasury will manage the investment of the fund’s assets. All operational costs will also be drawn from the fund itself.

Key provisions of the bill include:

Funds will be distributed based on the earnings from investments, including gains, interest, dividends, and gifts.
Eligible expenses for victims can only be claimed three years post-event.
Expenses covered by other sources such as Medicaid or private insurance will not be eligible for payment from the fund.
Comprehensive rules and eligibility criteria will be established by the VCCO before any distributions are made.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the formation of a Mass Violence Care Fund Working Group, led by the Attorney General, to refine and determine eligibility criteria and investment strategies. This group will include representatives from various state offices and a member from the VTV Family Outreach Foundation, focusing on identifying coverage gaps and sustainable funding methods.

A notable amendment to the bill is the removal of an initial $10 million General Fund appropriation to the Department of Law and Public Safety, aimed at seeding the Mass Violence Care Fund.

The fiscal implications of the bill are yet to be determined. The working group is expected to report back with recommendations within nine months of the bill’s enactment, potentially influencing further legislative action.

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