SB 49 would improve housing protections for survivors

and ensure that basic needs are met in their recovery This safety bill now heads to the Governor's desk for his signature

AUSTIN – The state legislature today granted final passage to SB 49 – with support from both sides of the aisle – which improves support for crime victims and expands eligibility for the victim compensation program. The bill was sponsored by Representative Mary Gonzalez (D-San Elizario) and Senator Judith Zaffrini (D-Laredo), and now heads to the governor for his signature. SB 49 would ensure that victims compensation covers relocation costs for all survivors, increase the cap in the amount of support a survivor receives, and expands eligibility to household members of victims. Terra Tucker, the Texas state director for ASJ, released the following statement: “Today, the Texas legislature reaffirmed its commitment to helping crime survivors and making communities safer. SB 49 ensures that crime victims won't have to choose between their safety and having a roof over their heads. Recovering after violence can be a long, arduous journey. When victims are left to heal without support, they're more likely to be revictimized and their lives can be destabilized. If it becomes law, countless survivors and their families can rest assured that they have support to remain safe and get their lives back on track. We thank Representative Mary Gonzales and Senator Judith Zaffirini for helping make this achievement possible.” The full text of the bill can be read here. About the Alliance for Safety and Justice The Alliance for Safety and Justice is a national organization that aims to win evidence-based new safety priorities in states across the country. It also brings together diverse crime survivors to advance policies that help communities most harmed by crime and violence, as part of Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice – its national network of over 100,000 crime survivors with thousands of members in Texas. For more information, visit: https://allianceforsafetyandjustice.org or https://cssj.org.

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