ALBANY – State lawmakers are proposing legislation to create a state-operated private fund to help survivors of child sex crimes pursue civil cases against their alleged abusers.
According to the Albany Times Union, the legislation is being spearheaded by Democratic Sen. James Gaughran of Long Island. It would create a “Child Victim Foundation Fund” run jointly by the Department of Taxation and Finance, the Division of Criminal Justice Services and the comptroller’s office.
New Yorkers would be able to donate to the fund when they file their taxes, and people convicted of child sex crimes would contribute to the pool in the form of a $1,000 fine.
Under the proposal, the state would also allocate grants to nonprofit organizations that help survivors litigate child abuse claims.
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