By Redaccion
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Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 2432, a bill introduced by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, with strong support from Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko.
The measure will allow state courts to impose higher financial penalties on corporations convicted of criminal offenses, thereby creating a new revenue stream to fund victim assistance programs in California.
These programs, which would benefit from the funds raised, provide essential services such as free medical care, mental health counseling, compensation for lost wages, court assistance, and temporary housing for victims and their families.
“This law is about fairness and justice: when large corporations break the law, they must be held accountable,” Assemblymember Gabriel previously stated.
AB 2432 comes at a critical time, as funds from the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) have decreased significantly, putting victim services at risk. VOCA has long been a cornerstone of funding for victim assistance programs nationwide, primarily supported by fines paid by federal offenders. These funds are distributed to states, which then allocate them to district attorney offices and nonprofit organizations.
However, a substantial decline in federal deposits has led to a significant reduction in available funds, threatening the continuity of these essential programs. This year, the national VOCA allocation is expected to decrease by 40% compared to last year’s $1.9 billion.
“We are facing an unprecedented shortfall in federal funding, and we can no longer rely on VOCA to support crime victims in California,” warned District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “When there is deliberate concealment, fraud, injury, loss of life, malpractice, and crimes, corporations must be held accountable. AB 2432 helps us achieve that.”
The impact of the funding decline is being deeply felt in Ventura County. The cuts threaten to eliminate more than $2.3 million annually in VOCA funding, directly affecting the services provided to some of the community’s most vulnerable members.
The district attorney’s office has already been notified that grants supporting farmworkers, LGBTQ+ individuals, and victims of human trafficking will no longer be funded, representing a loss of more than $280,000 per year. Additionally, funds for the elder abuse program, totaling $217,000 annually, are expected to be lost, leaving seniors over 65 without essential in-home support and counseling.
These federal funding cuts highlight the importance of AB 2432 in maintaining victim support services in California. The new law aims not only to fill the financial gap left by declining federal funds but also to send a clear message that large corporations are not exempt from accountability when they commit crimes that affect the community.
Supporters of the bill, such as Assemblymember Gabriel and District Attorney Nasarenko, emphasize the need to act now to ensure crime victims can access the services they need to recover and move forward with their lives. The legislation aims not only to provide immediate financial relief but also to set a precedent for future cases in which corporations are responsible for significant harm.
“It is crucial that those who have suffered at the hands of negligent corporations receive the care and support they need,” Gabriel said. “AB 2432 represents a commitment to justice and equity for all crime victims in our state.”
The lack of funding for specific programs, such as elder abuse and human trafficking victim support, could have devastating consequences. These programs not only provide immediate assistance but also help prevent future abuse and create support networks that are crucial for long-term recovery.
Nasarenko emphasized that without adequate resources, victims will face even greater challenges. “If we cannot provide these essential services, we are failing those who need us most. We cannot allow that to happen,” he stated.
AB 2432 establishes that state courts can impose additional fines on guilty corporations, and these funds will be directed specifically to victim assistance programs. The law applies to a wide range of corporate crimes, including those resulting in significant physical or economic harm.
The state funding generated by these fines could make a significant difference for programs already stretched thin due to the lack of federal support. Victim rights advocates hope that this new revenue stream will not only help cover current financial gaps but also lay a stronger foundation for the future of support services in the state.
With the signing of AB 2432, California is sending a strong message: large corporations are not above the law and must take responsibility for the harm they cause. This measure is an important step toward justice and restitution for all crime victims in the state, ensuring they receive the support and assistance they deserve.
