SENATE LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 1294

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 19, 2026

      The Senate Law and Public Safety Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 1294.

      As reported by the committee, this bill permits an order of payment by the Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO) to individuals who have received forensic medical services from a county sexual assault response team for a sexual offense that has not been reported to the police or other appropriate law enforcement agency. 

     Under current law, in order to receive compensation from the VCOO, an applicant is required to have reported the offense to the police or other appropriate law enforcement agency. 

     Under this bill, an applicant is not required to have reported the offense to the police or other appropriate law enforcement agency if the applicant has received forensic medical services from a sexual assault response team established under current law for aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual contact, or criminal sexual contact.

      This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 2026-2027 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.