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5/29/2025
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Senate passes Leader Ciccone’s bill establishing a funding stream for the Crime Victim Compensation Program
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STATE HOUSE – The Senate today passed legislation (2025-S 0825) introduced by Majority Leader Frank A. Ciccone III that would fund the state Crime Victim Compensation Program through an additional $1 fine on traffic violations. Parking violations would be exempt under the legislation.
“This bill is a sensible way of ensuring that Rhode Island’s victims of crime receive the support that they deserve and need. This program has recently had to survive on yearly budget appropriations, which was an unsustainable method to fund this important program. But with this small surcharge on driving infractions, victims will receive the help they need to get their lives back on track and it’s the right thing to do for our state’s residents,” said Leader Ciccone (D-Dist. 7, Providence, Johnston).
The bill would help re-establish a secure funding source for the Crime Victim Compensation Program through a $1 surcharge on all civil and criminal traffic violations, such as speeding tickets, red light cameras, failure to signal, texting while driving, and headlight or taillight infractions.
The Crime Victim Compensation Program provides direct cash assistance to
innocent victims of crime in Rhode Island. Program funds can be used to cover funeral expenses, physical relocation, crime scene clean-up, and expenses incurred as a result of physical injury or death, such as medical bills or mental health treatment.
The legislation now heads to the House for consideration, where Rep. Raymond A. Hull (D-Dist. 6, Providence, North Providence) has introduced the bill (2025-H 5739).
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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